Death toll in Yemen fighting rises to 643: WHO
Geneva: The World Health Organisation revised upward on Wednesday the number of people killed and wounded in nearly three weeks of fighting in Yemen to 643 dead and 2,226 injured in the multi-sided conflict.
On Wednesday the WHO reported that at least 540 people had been killed and 1,700 wounded over the same nearly three-week span.
Over 334,000 people have been displaced inside the country by the fighting and 254,400 have sought refuge abroad, according to WHO.
“The humanitarian situation is critical, with power cuts and water and fuel shortages further deteriorating… the situation,” it said.
Attacks on healthcare workers and health facilities have been reported in Sanaa and the cities Saada and Aden. Since March 30 three volunteer ambulance workers have been shot and killed while on duty, the WHO said.
Access remains difficult to Yemen, where 65 WHO personnel are stationed. The agency said it had a delivery of supplies waiting in Dubai that will be brought in as soon as possible.
WHO estimated Yemen needs about USD 62 million in funding to pay for its healthcare needs. The WHO has so far received a USD 2.7 million donation from Japan.
