ASIA/YEMEN - More than 8,000 refugees damaged by sudden torrential rains

Sana'a ( Agenzia Fides) - Torrential rains have destroyed half of the camps and caused extensive damage in the three refugee camps (IDPs ) near Haradh, in north-western Yemen. More than 8,000 people have been affected, and the floods, which began in mid-August, have killed 39, destroyed homes, schools and infrastructure. According to data released by the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA ) besides the tents, the wind has seriously damaged 600 latrines, 20 classrooms and outpatient clinics of the ADRA ( Adventist Development and Relief Agency), have been damage. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR) has begun distributing a thousand new tents to residents of the three camps, and further supplies should arrive from the capital Sana'a. The Oxford Commitee for Famine Relief (Oxfam) will provide for the rehabilitation of 400 latrines , while the Ministry of Education is sending tents to replace the damaged classrooms. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 29/08/2013)