Yemen Conflict: Families fleeing Hodeidah stranded in Sanaa

World
Europe

02:15

Fighting between pro-government forces and rebels in Hodeidah has forced tens of thousands of Yemenis to flee their homes. Most sought safety in the capital Sanaa, only to find themselves struggling even more after arrival. Rory Coen has more.

Nearly a fortnight after the Saudi-led coalition bombed Yemen's largest port, there are long lines of people at Sanna's shelters. They're trying to register as internally displaced people so they can receive aid. Worn out by war, the local authorities haven't the resources to build enough tents, nor can they provide the proper necessities of life.

HANI DISPLACED REFUGEE "After arriving at Sanaa, we went to a shelter, which was so overcrowded that there wasn't even room to sit. Many people are just sleeping on the playground. I hate to make my kids stay in a place like that."

The biggest problem for Hani is to feed his wife and three kids. Once a driver in Hodeidah, Hani finds himself unable to land a similar job in the capital.

HANI DISPLACED REFUGEE "As for job, we had family and relatives back in Hodeidah, which is my home. But here, in this completely strange place - Sanaa, I am just a stranger who doesn't know how to make a living."

A humanitarian officer said about 5-thousand families, each with around six members, have arrived in the capital.

IBRAHIM SHARAF AL-DIN HUMANITARIAN OFFICER "We are seeking assistance from the international organizations. But apart from the aid provided by UNICEF, we haven't got any assistance from elsewhere. Now we are mainly supported by local donors."

The crowded environment and hot weather have hastened the spread of illnesses at the shelter.

AHMED BAADANI MEDICAL WORKER "Among the displaced people, there are a lot of children suffering from malnutrition. Most of them didn't receive any vaccinations. We are trying our best to help them."

But as the bombardment of Hodeidah -- the only port in the area still able to provide a lifeline to aid -- no one knows when help will eventually arrive.