Yemen Humanitarian Emergency. Reports by OCHA & UNICEF

OCHA Full Report on the Humanitarian Emergency in Yemen

Highlights:

•  The conflict in Zinjibar, Abyan Governorate, continues with ongoing confrontations raising concerns about casualties, physical destruction and a potential displacement crisis.
• The number of IDPs fleeing Abyan increases daily. Current estimates of IDPs from Abyan are 10,000 in Lahj and approximately 15,000 in Aden. 15,000 IDPs are currently estimated to be scattered in Abyan, but limited access to Abyan Governorate is inhibiting IDP data collection.
• 200 new cases of cholera have been reported in Abyan Governorate.
• On 14 June intense combat between security forces and militant groups also occurred in neighbouring Lahj Governorate. 
• A rapid assessment on the numbers and needs of displaced persons in Sana’a Governorate concluded that a total of 2,020 IDPs were registered in Sana’a after fighting in Al-Hasaba area.
• Fuel shortages continue throughout the country, threatening some humanitarian programmes.
• New humanitarian resources are being mobilized to respond to the emerging needs, including through the CERF and ERF. 

UNICEF Yemen: Weekly Situation Report 13 – 19 June  

Highlights:

• The number of Abyan IDPs is increasing though in smaller numbers and more schools are hosting new IDPs, which could affect high school examinations scheduled for 25 June.
• Fighting in Abyan has constrained any coordinated cholera response in Abyan due to lack of information and access.
•  A cold chain and vaccination monitoring system was established to assess the impact of the crisis on immunization services. Data from two governorates with an estimated 13% of under-fives show cumulative coverage of less than 25% as of May 2011.

UNICEF Yemen: Monthly situation report, reporting period 1-31 May 2011

Highlights:

• Political deadlock culminated in all-out conflict and street fighting, including with heavy artillery, in parts of the country starting May 23.
• On May 29, Freedom Square in Taiz city was attacked and set ablaze by alleged regime loyalists and security forces, killing 53 people.
• Confirmed number of children killed is nine (2 girls and 7 boys) ranging from four to 17 years of age in Taiz, Sana'a and Zenjebar (Abyan). This raises the total number to 49 children since the beginning of the civil unrest.
• Six schools have been used as military installations by both parties to the conflict.
• School exams took place throughout the country, however there are several schools affected by teacher strikes, mainly in main cities.
• Taiz City, teachers demonstrated at the Government Education Officer, demanding salaries and financial allowances, and calling for the postponement of examinations. During the reporting period, several were reportedly injured by security while attempting to disperse them
• An estimated 445,000 doses of DPT- Pentavalent vaccines for a targeted population of 120,000 children delivered to the central level ready for distribution to the governorates and peripheral health facilities.
• Outbreak of chicken pox and measles reported in southern and northern governorates with measles outbreak showing low cumulative coverage for 2011(Aden- 58% and Sa’ada less than 10%).
• As a result of the new de facto leadership in Sa’ada and its promise of improved access to affected populations, UNICEF facilitated urgent delivery of essential supplies and equipment including 3,000 cartons of Plumpy Nut and therapeutic milk.
• Increased unrest around the country has seen schools and education offices in some areas targeted. Decisions by the MoE to shorten the scholastic year, cut teachers’ salaries, and fire teachers have been unpopular in some quarters and reduced the influence of the ministry.
• Dialogue, negotiations and trust building continue with the Al-Houthis to allow the use of existing vaccines. But mistrust prevails with the AH insisting they be provided with equipment to test all vaccines destined for Sa’ada. Sporadic cases of measles and whooping cough are reported, increasing the risk of an outbreak.
• Fuel shortage and frequent power outage are reaching crisis levels and have started impacting delivery of critical services. Over fifty percent of households in Sana’a are dependent on water delivered through water trucking.
• An acute watery diarrhea outbreak occurred in Abyan governorate with over 300 people affected.