Yemen: Tens of thousands forced to flee homes amid escalating conflict

Escalating conflict in Yemen is forcing tens of thousands of families from their homes, creating urgent new humanitarian needs across a country already experiencing a prolonged crisis, according to a press release issued by Islamic Relief Worldwide on September 29, 2026. Armed clashes have driven displacement across the country, with over 146,000 people forced to flee since the beginning of August. Many are arriving at displacement camps with little more than what they can carry. They urgently require food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare. The situation has intensified pressure on host communities already struggling with poverty and hunger.

Prior to this recent wave of crisis, Yemen was already grappling with a desperate humanitarian situation. Around 22 million people in the country required humanitarian assistance. Years of conflict and funding cuts have led to the collapse of the national health system. In Taiz alone, around 59% of health facilities are not even functioning. Islamic Relief has worked in Yemen since 1998, supporting communities affected by conflict, hunger, and poverty.

The southwestern city of Taiz has recorded the largest displacement so far, with more than 80,000 new arrivals since 1 September. Significant displacement has also been reported in Lahj, Hodeidah, Aden, and Abyan. Many displaced people are sheltering in schools, without access to food or safe water. Newly established displacement sites also need emergency latrines, water supplies, and waste management services. Sanitation and hygiene facilities remain a critical shortage across the affected areas.

Khanzad Shah, Islamic Relief’s water, sanitation and hygiene coordinator in Yemen, described appalling conditions on the ground. “The number of people fleeing is increasing every day and they face appalling conditions. They don’t have water or food to survive, or cash to buy what they need. In one of the school shelters that we visited, children were crying from hunger. People are sleeping on the floor of overcrowded classrooms,” she said, warning that such conditions are ripe for an outbreak of deadly water-borne diseases such as cholera.

Islamic Relief is providing over 500 families in need with cash assistance, giving them the flexibility to purchase what they need the most. The organization also delivers long-term support, including Ramadan food parcels and new clothes and meat for Eid. It is currently sponsoring 7,973 orphaned children in Yemen, whose families receive a monthly stipend to cover essentials. Shah warned that without more aid, lives will be lost. The organization has called for continued support through its Yemen Crisis Appeal to sustain lifesaving assistance.