Mokha’s capture sparks mass displacement and health collapse in southwest Yemen

Since Houthi forces took control of Mokha last week, the International Organization for Migration reports that at least 46,000 residents of the West Coast and Taiz governorates have fled, a figure that is climbing hour by hour toward 50,000. Entire villages in the Taiz districts of Maqbanah, Jabal Habashi and Al Ma’afer have been emptied as combat moves nearer to civilian areas. The main supply road linking Mokha with Taiz has been blocked, forcing families to travel on foot with whatever belongings they can carry. New arrivals are now being recorded in Lahj, Aden and further north toward Ibb.

The renewed fighting is overwhelming Yemen’s already fragile health system. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs notes that at least 14 civilians, including two children, have been killed or wounded this month. The World Health Organization adds that between 6 and 24 August, 67 people died and 288 were injured across seven governorates. Only about 60% of health facilities are fully operational, leaving hospitals in Marib, Hadramaut and Taiz inundated with trauma patients. At Marib General Hospital, maternity and obstetrics services have been halted to free up staff and beds, and morgues are exceeding capacity.

The International Organization for Migration is urging all parties to guarantee safe and sustained humanitarian corridors and to protect aid workers, premises and transport routes. With emergency stocks already depleted after recent flood relief, the most pressing needs are shelter, food, water, household items, health care and protection services. The disruption of the Mokha‑Taiz road and damaged communications are hampering aid delivery to displaced families. Restoring these corridors and ensuring the safety of humanitarian personnel are essential to reach vulnerable populations with lifesaving assistance.