More than 300,000 displaced in Yemen as humanitarian needs soar, IOM data shows

Geneva/Aden, 1 November 2026 – More than 300,000 people have been forced to flee their homes amid escalating fighting in western Yemen, almost all in the past two months, according to new figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) released today. Families are struggling to find shelter and afford basic necessities, while access restrictions are making it harder for aid agencies to reach those in need. “After years of conflict, families in Yemen are being forced to flee yet again, often with little more than the clothes on their backs,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM Yemen Chief of Mission. “They urgently need shelter, food, clean water and health care. Without more funding, thousands of families could be left without the help they urgently need.” Fighting has also sent prices for basic goods soaring. In Ta’iz city, the cost of essential items has risen three to fivefold as fighting cuts off access to surrounding areas, putting even basic food supplies out of reach for many families. Since the start of October, more than 43,000 people have fled Al Madaribah Wa Al Aarah district in Lahj, the highest number recorded in any district in Yemen. While displacement in Ta’iz Governorate continues to grow, many families are fleeing south to Aden, which now hosts more than 56,000 displaced people. Five IOM Mobile Medical Teams (MMTs) are operational across four four governorates: Marib, Lahj, Aden and two in Ta’iz. MMTs deliver life-saving and essential primary healthcare services including outpatient consultations, reproductive health services, screening for acute malnutrition, vaccination support, referrals, mental health, protection and emergency medical care to underserved and crisis-affected populations, alongside health promotion activities. Last week, the five MMTs provided almost 1,000 consultations. Despite generous contributions received to scale up the response, needs continue to grow. IOM needs USD 45 million over the next six months to provide lifesaving assistance including shelter, emergency cash, basic non-food items. protection, health care, clean water and sanitation, site coordination and displacement tracking. These efforts form part of the Yemen Crisis Response Plan 2026, which supports displaced families and host communities in Yemen, and the Regional Migrant Response Plan for the Horn of Africa and Yemen, which supports migrants travelling from the Horn of Africa and through Yemen. IOM also urges all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and humanitarian workers and ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of Ta’iz.