Water Emergency in Yemen
Yemen is currently facing one of the world’s worst water crises, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, climate change, and economic collapse. Even before the war, Yemen was one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, but the conflict has severely damaged the country's water infrastructure, leaving millions without access to clean water.
Origins
Yemen’s water scarcity is rooted in its arid climate and rapid population growth, but decades of political instability and underinvestment in infrastructure have made things worse. The ongoing civil war, which began in 2014, has compounded the situation. The war has damaged water systems and further strained the country’s resources, making it difficult for millions to access safe drinking water.
Before the conflict, Yemen had access to only 100 cubic meters of renewable water per capita annually, far below the international threshold for water scarcity (The Water Project). The war has reduced access even further, with less than 30% of the population able to access piped water (ICRC). In rural areas, that figure is even lower, with people walking miles to collect water from unsafe sources like rivers and ponds.
Current Situation
As of 2024, an estimated 17.8 million Yemenis lack access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation (ICRC) (UNOCHA). The shortage has led to severe outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including the worst cholera outbreak in modern history, with over 2.5 million suspected cases and 4,000 deaths reported since 2016 (The Water Project) (ICRC). In addition to cholera, diseases like acute watery diarrhea and hepatitis E have spread rapidly, especially in displaced populations.
The capital, Sana’a, has been particularly hard hit. The city’s groundwater resources are depleting at an alarming rate, and residents often go without water for days or weeks. In some areas, water levels have dropped by as much as 6 meters per year (UNDP).
Conflict & Climate Change Impact
The war has created a vicious cycle: conflict damages water systems, leading to shortages, which in turn fuels further conflict over scarce resources. It’s estimated that water-related disputes lead to over 4,000 deaths annually (The Water Project). Armed groups often control water supplies, cutting off entire communities from access.
Climate change has also intensified the crisis. Yemen has experienced severe droughts and occasional floods, further destabilizing the fragile water infrastructure. With rainfall becoming less predictable, communities are unable to rely on natural water sources, leading to further hardships.
How to Help
Humanitarian organizations are working on the ground to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to Yemen’s water crisis. You can support their efforts through donations or raising awareness:
