Taiz Water Rationing Expands
Houthi siege forces residents to stretch 10 liters of water over four days as costs rise and infrastructure fails.
By Amina Kaminski ·
Residents of Taiz, Yemen, are now stretching 10 liters of water across four days for drinking and cooking. This rationing reflects a sharp decline in supply caused by a Houthi siege that has cut off wells and fuel. Families in the country's third-largest city face higher costs and reduced access to basic hygiene.
Houthi forces have tightened their control around Taiz, restricting access to water sources and blocking trucks from entering. The siege has caused bottled water prices to rise by up to 75 percent compared to a few weeks ago. Some households are purchasing supplies on credit to bridge the gap. Hadil al-Shahid, a hair salon owner, noted that her family stopped consuming coffee and tea to conserve water for essential use.
The water shortage is compounded by fuel scarcity. Desalination plants and the city's water utility are operating below capacity due to a lack of fuel. Water truckers who continue the journey have tripled their rates in some cases. This infrastructure failure forces residents to rely on unprotected wells, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.
The siege extends beyond water, affecting food and health services. Flour and rice prices have increased by approximately 50 percent since summer. Cooking gas costs have more than quadrupled, leading some families to burn wood or cardboard. Hospitals and sanitation services struggle to function without fuel, raising public health concerns. Amnesty International warned that Taiz is nearing a severe humanitarian disaster.
Taiz province has absorbed an estimated 124,000 displaced people since August, according to United Nations migration experts. Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for a UN emergency aid division, stated that some displaced families survive on one meal a day in makeshift shelters. Ahmed Abdel Gaber, living in building ruins with nine relatives, said his family relies on donations for food after his construction income became inconsistent.
The military situation remains fluid. The Houthis control about 80 percent of the surrounding countryside and several neighborhoods inside the city, according to three anonymous officials. Analysts describe the city as a key strategic point for any Houthi push south toward Aden. Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba acknowledged the rebels' tightening grip on the region.
Recent violence has intensified the danger for civilians. Houthi missiles struck a residential area earlier this week, killing two teenage girls. Residents report hearing explosions daily from fighting approximately 5 kilometers away. Al-Shahid, who cannot afford to leave, stated that staying in her home is inevitable, regardless of the risk.
