Letter – families in Yemen living in a silent crisis 

Dear Editor,

There’s a growing conflict and humanitarian emergency in Yemen that’s been largely forgotten by the world. Families are living in a silent crisis and more than four million people have lost their homes. Families seeking refuge have been uprooted, often more than once, by shifting frontlines in a civil war that’s dominated the country since 2014. They’ve had to leave behind homes, livelihoods, possessions and loved ones.

Families are living in makeshift shelters made of sticks, palm branches, rags and anything they can find. Some fear heavy Spring rains could trigger a repeat of the flash flooding seen in 2020 and 2021 – against a backdrop of coronavirus and the spread of diseases like cholera and malaria. Camps are overcrowded, which means diseases spread quickly.

At disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, we’re about to start distributing emergency shelter in Yemen. The water filters, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, soap, and wash basins we’ll provide will help families protect themselves from diseases. Tents will provide shelter for those sleeping in the open and tarpaulins and ropes will help families living in makeshift shelters make them more resilient to the weather. 

It’s possible thanks to our supporters. To find out about our Yemen Appeal please visit the ShelterBox website – shelterbox.org. 

Lucy Greenwell

ShelterBox