WHO: Yemen escalation leaves over 9,000 dead or injured, displaces 276,000

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the death and injury toll from the latest military escalation in Yemen has reached 9,072, warning that health services are deteriorating and medical supplies, fuel and water are in short supply, particularly in Taiz governorate.

In a report released on Thursday, the WHO said 1,677 people had been killed and 7,395 injured as of 25 October, with 559 casualties recorded over six days.

The average number of casualties during the reporting period stands at 93 a day, almost half the daily average of 168 recorded in the previous report. However, deaths and injuries continue to be reported across several governorates.

Marib has recorded the highest number of deaths among the governorates covered by the data, with 45 deaths out of 143 casualties. Taiz follows with 34 deaths out of 237 casualties, while Lahj has recorded 21 deaths out of 158 casualties.

The WHO says 276,301 people are displaced across Yemen as of 24 October, including more than 46,000 families. Taiz hosts around 46 per cent of all registered displaced people.

The report says restrictions on access from Aden to Taiz and the western coast are delaying the delivery of supplies. Severe shortages of medicines, fuel and water, alongside disruptions to waste management services, are increasing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks.

It adds that only six of the 31 hospitals in Marib remain operational.

The developments come amid continued military escalation in Yemen, following the resumption of clashes between government forces and the Houthi movement in late June.