UN needs $1.6 billion for Yemen aid, warns of ‘looming catastrophe’

The United Nations said on Friday that is needs $1.6 billion to deal with a “looming catastrophe” in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition has been launching airstrikes against Houthi fighters in a campaign to restore the government in exile.

“Over 21 million people, or 80 percent of the population, are now estimated to be in need of some form of humanitarian aid and or protection,” U.N. spokesman Jens Laerke told a news briefing.

Stephen O’Brien, the U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, launched the revised funding appeal, telling donors that a “looming catastrophe” was in the making across Yemen, with families struggling to find food.

“People across the country are struggling to feed their families. Basic services are collapsing in all regions. Millions of families no longer have access to clean water, proper sanitation or basic health care. Deadly diseases such as dengue and malaria have broken out, and supplies for acute trauma care are running dangerously low,” he added in a statement.

According to the U.N., 50 civilians were killed in the fighting in Yemen June 11 through 15. The number of deaths has surpassed 2,600, with 1,412 civilian killed and 3,423 injured.

O’Brien said the emergency funds alone cannot alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni population, and he called for a political solution to the crisis.

“The disregard for international humanitarian law by parties to the conflict has come with a high human toll. There is also an urgent need for full resumption of commercial imports, as reductions have crippled the country, putting millions at risk,” he said.

Al Jazeera and Reuters