Yemen

Over 60 dead in storms and floods

Article published on the 2008-10-26 Latest update 2008-10-26 13:15 TU

Stranded people in Sayoun valley
(Photo: Reuters)

Yemen's Interior Ministry late Saturday said that at least 64 people have died in storms and floods which have hit the country since Thursday. The bad weather continued in south-eastern coastal regions on Saturday, although skies were reported to be clearing inland. The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has launched an appeal for funds to help flood victims.

Most of the dead were drowned in floods in Hadramaut and Mahara province on Thursday and Friday but at least six people have been killed by lightning.

More than 500 houses were destroyed across Hadramaut and 3,500 families have been made homeless. Thousands of people have been stranded by floods, while aircraft and helicopters have been mobilised to take them help.

The OIC called the situation a "national catastrophe" and its chief Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called for Islamic and international solidarity.

The Unesco world heritage site of Shibam, which has 20,000 residents, is cut off by flood waters. It is famous for its high-rise mudbrick buildings, most of which were built in the 16th century.