Torrential rain continues to lash Yemen

TAIZ, May 16 (Saba) - Torrential rain
continued to hit Yemen on Saturday, with Taiz, a western city, experiencing the
worst rain that
reached a record level, 30.4 mm high. Early Saturday, rain lashed the district of
Jabal Habashi killing at least four people and causing other damages when lands were
submerged
and homes cracked. A panel was formed to count damages at the ravaged areas that has
already started its job in the district. Also, in the district of Maqbana, a mother
and
four children were injured in a thunderstorm when rain fell there. The children's
ages ranged between 4 to 7 years. Agricultural lands were submerged and wells
destroyed
as well. In recent weeks, heavy rain fell in many parts of Yemen. Sana'a saw the
worst floodwaters in a decade that hit a record level, 66 mm. Seven people were
killed and
several cars were swept away and others broke down on streets. As well, scores of
homes were affected in northern Sana'a, the capital. In recent years, heavy rain has
fallen
in many parts of Yemen causing in some cases huge damages. The worst tragedy was in
late 2008 when more than 90 people were killed and over 2000 homes were completely
destroyed
in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra. Agricultural lands and
infrastructure were also ravaged. Damages were estimated at more than $ 1 billion.
Yemen then received
support to rebuild the affected areas. Casualties and major damages were also
reported in other cities, mainly in the western governorate of Hodeida. FR