Yemen Demining Project Warns Heavy Rains Risk Spreading Landmines

The Masam demining project in Yemen has issued a severe warning regarding the danger posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance being washed into new areas by torrential seasonal rains, particularly affecting the governorates of Marib, Shabwah, Al-Jawf, Taiz, and Al Hudaydah.

The project confirmed that floodwaters are transferring explosive remnants of war from contaminated zones into residential villages, roads, and natural water channels. This displacement constitutes a grave threat to civilian life, especially in agricultural areas, grazing lands, and unpaved routes.

Masam urgently called upon all citizens to exercise extreme caution, advising against approaching, touching, or moving any suspicious objects. The organization emphasized that many mines and munitions may be obscured by mud or hidden among debris and rocks carried by the floods, significantly complicating detection and increasing risk.

The project stressed the critical importance of adhering to safety guidelines, specifically avoiding travel through flood channels or areas recently inundated by rain. Furthermore, children must be kept away from flood accumulation sites and open areas following rainfall, and residents should refrain from grazing livestock or gathering firewood in unverified or potentially mined locations.

Masam underscored that mines displaced by floodwaters present a compounded danger because they can migrate into areas previously declared safe by Masam engineering teams. The project reiterated the necessity of immediately reporting any suspicious object by contacting deployed engineering units, relevant authorities, or the nearest security checkpoint.

The demining initiative concluded by reaffirming that safety is a shared responsibility, urging full cooperation from the public in reporting potential hazards to safeguard lives and property.