Islamic Relief is calling for humanitarian access to Saa’da in north Yemen, where aid agencies are trying to reach those affected by the conflict between the government and rebel forces.

Estimates suggest that around 120,000 people have been forced from their homes in Saa’da after fighting escalated one month ago. Many have settled in camps in safer parts of the region or in neighbouring governorates where they are facing shortages of food and water. There have also been outbreaks of disease but people have little or no access to healthcare. Most roads into Saa’da are currently blocked and continued air strikes and fighting are making the delivery of aid impossible.

Islamic Relief is the main partner of the UN’s World Food Programme in Saa’da. Khalid Almulad, Country Director of Islamic Relief Yemen said, “We have enough food for 60,000 people but cannot distribute it because of the security situation. A short break in hostilities allowed us to carry out a small distribution on Friday but our larger operation planned for Sunday had to be cancelled because of intensified fighting.”

Ahmad Al Qubati is the head of Islamic Relief’s office in Saa’da. He said, “Saa’da town is virtually empty as people have either fled or are staying inside their homes. The roads into Saa’da are blocked so food cannot get in and there are now food shortages. The scarcity has also caused the price of basic items such as wheat and pulses to rapidly increase. Most shops have closed but those that still have goods to sell have increased prices by around 300 per cent.

“The electricity only comes on for a few hours once every three days and there is only an intermittent supply of water. Some people have been forced to buy water, but it is often dirty and at 5,000 riyals per tanker is too expensive for most people to afford.”

Islamic Relief has recently completed an assessment of those who have fled the fighting to settle in makeshift camps and public buildings in Al Jawf governorate, which borders Saa’da. The assessment found high rates of diarrhoea, typhoid, skin diseases and respiratory infections amongst the displaced people caused by a lack of sanitation facilities and clean water.

Islamic Relief aid workers spoke to many displaced people who said they had sold their belongings to survive but now had no money left with which to buy food or water. “The humanitarian need in Saa’da and in the camps is immense, and with no end to the conflict in sight we fear that the humanitarian need will only continue to escalate,” said Khalid Almulad.

“Islamic Relief has food stocks available and we are ready to distribute to 3,200 displaced people the moment the security situation allows. However, without a safe humanitarian corridor into the affected area, like other aid agencies we have found ourselves virtually powerless to reach those who need assistance.”

For more information or to arrange an interview with Islamic Relief staff in Yemen please contact Helen Mould: 0044 121 622 0719 or 07855 499 645

helen.mould@irworldwide.org