Yemen – ICRC Bulletin No. 01 / 2009

Since mid-August, armed confrontations affecting the civilian population have intensified in the already volatile governorate of Sa'ada, in the north of the country, and spilled over into parts of Amran governorate. According to initial estimates, thousands of people have been displaced in the two governorates.

"Thousands of people have fled the fighting to seek refuge in Sa'ada city and surrounding areas. They probably could not take much with them, and many are now left stranded without even a roof to protect them from the rain," said the ICRC's head of delegation in Yemen, Jean-Nicolas Marti. "Their most important immediate needs are shelter, water, food and access to medical care."

ICRC and Yemen Red Crescent Society staff have so far registered more than 12,000 displaced people (IDPs) in Sa'ada governorate and more than 4,000 in Amran governorate while also meeting vital needs, for example by providing support for medical facilities.