The United Nations said fighting had displaced nearly 260,000 people across Yemen since August, with about half in Taiz, where road closures are straining hospitals’ access to fuel, oxygen and medicine.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Tuesday, Oct. 20, that more than 250,000 people had been internally displaced from Aug. 1 through Oct. 17. About half were in Taiz, where shelter, food and cash assistance were among the most urgent needs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said 12 hospitals in Taiz had enough fuel for about four days. The health system also faced a daily oxygen shortfall, while 115 of 127 essential medicines were available for a week or less. WHO said patients relying on hospital care included 1,110 people receiving dialysis, 192 intensive care patients and 154 newborns in incubators.
U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Laurent Bukera said on Oct. 20 that insecurity and road closures were disrupting deliveries into Taiz. He said prices for available food and fuel had risen to more than twice earlier levels, while the city’s water output was 50% lower.
Bukera asked Houthi de facto authorities to permit commercial and relief shipments to reach the city. He urged all parties to protect residents and civilian facilities.
