The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of a sharp deterioration in food security in areas controlled by Yemen’s internationally recognized government, as escalating fighting has displaced more than 149,000 people, disrupted markets and restricted humanitarian access.
The WFP said 74% of households in accessible areas are unable to meet their basic food needs, the highest rate recorded this year. Across Yemen, 18.3 million people are facing acute food insecurity, while around 2.2 million children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition.
The agency reported that wheat flour prices in parts of Taiz have risen by 10% over two weeks, warning that supply disruptions and higher transportation costs could put further pressure on food prices, particularly as Yemen imports around 90% of its food requirements.
The WFP said it has provided assistance to more than 70,000 displaced people in Taiz and Lahj and is preparing to expand its response to reach up to 1.5 million people if the conflict escalates. At the same time, it continues to assist around 2.4 million people facing severe hunger in areas controlled by the Yemeni government.
The agency also warned of funding shortages, saying it needs $109 million for its emergency response and $158 million to continue its regular operations through March 2027.
The conflict’s impact has also extended to Djibouti, where more than 3,700 people fleeing Yemen had arrived by the end of September, placing additional pressure on humanitarian services and reception facilities.
Source: AFP
