UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hostilities and displacement in Yemen are exacerbating pressure on civilians, who face food shortages and health risks, UN humanitarians said Tuesday.
"Basic supplies in Taiz City are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive," said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Petrol prices have tripled and cooking gas is largely unavailable. Food prices have reportedly risen by about 50 percent, and current wheat and flour supplies could run out in less than three weeks."
Fuel shortages are disrupting the city's water supply and putting water services at risk, said OCHA.
The office said that the basic health of families is increasingly at risk with overcrowded displacement sites, inadequate access to clean water and minimal health services.
The World Health Organization warned that suspected cholera cases in Yemen have surged. Of the more than 8,000 cases reported this year, a quarter were reported in the last four weeks. Children face a growing risk from measles, with more than 22,800 suspected cases and 128 deaths reported this year. Vaccination coverage remains critically low.
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration reported a sharp increase in the number of migrants arriving in Yemen despite the ongoing conflict. By the end of September, more than 130,000 migrants had entered the country since the start of the year.
OCHA said the United Nations and its humanitarian partners have provided emergency assistance to nearly 148,000 people across Yemen since hostilities began in August.
The office also reiterated the UN's call on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, facilitate the safe movement of civilians and allow safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to people in need. ■
