Yemen displacement climbs to 184,000 amid intensifying conflict

Intense fighting in Yemen has displaced more than 184,000 people between 1 August and 4 October, with the majority uprooted since the start of September, according to a press release issued by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on 5 October 2026. The figures come from IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), which continues to monitor population movements across the country. The data was released from Geneva and Aden as humanitarian needs mount. All of those displaced require food, shelter, and other basic humanitarian assistance. IOM is urging stronger international action to secure humanitarian access.

Between 27 September and 3 October, DTM recorded 21,798 individuals, or 3,633 households, who were displaced at least once. This marked a 26 per cent increase on the previous week. An additional 6,474 people, or 1,079 households, were displaced on 4 October alone. The pace of displacement reflects the escalating conflict on the ground. IOM teams continue to track daily movements to guide the humanitarian response.

A rapid protection assessment conducted last week in three displacement sites in Ma’rib identified the lack of safe shelter as the most critical vulnerability factor. Some assessed households are sleeping in the open, exposing them to violence and to the effects of the conflict, including airstrikes. Women and girls raised the shortage of appropriate latrines as a concern. Approximately 45 per cent of assessed households had experienced displacement before, alongside loss of assets and unstable livelihoods. The assessment also flagged intersecting vulnerabilities among persons with disabilities, female-headed households, children, and older persons.

“As the conflict intensifies, more and more people are thrown into an appalling cycle of displacement, living in fear of their lives and with their futures uncertain,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. She reiterated the urgent need to secure humanitarian access to all those impacted. Pope called on the international community to urgently do more to allow humanitarians to meet critical needs. IOM warned that households in such conditions may turn to harmful coping strategies, including child labor. The agency is working with local authorities and partners to deliver emergency shelter, essential items, cash assistance, clean water and sanitation, and protection services.

IOM is calling for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and for safe, unimpeded access so aid can reach displaced families and host communities. With the situation remaining volatile, further displacement is possible in the coming days. DTM will continue tracking population movements and sharing verified data as events unfold. The data is helping partners deliver aid where it is needed most. IOM remains committed to supporting newly displaced families across Yemen.