UNESCO mobilizes fund to protect Yemen cultural heritage

The United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation, UNESCO, has announced the commencement of efforts towards the mobilization of fund and expertise to protect the cultural heritage damaged by flooding in Yemen.

The organisation, while expressing its deep sorrow for the loss of life and property in a number of historical centres across the country, pointed out that the World Heritage Sites were damaged in the cities of Zabid, Chibam and Old City of Sanaa.

UNESCO warned that “climatic conditions threaten the existence of Yemen’s unique cultural heritage.”

It emphasised that the Yemeni heritage “is a testimony to human creativity and the ability to adapt to the natural landforms and the diverse environmental conditions in the country.”

The organisation further stated that it has already intervened in the Al-Qasimi area in the Old City of Sanaa and the historical city of Zabid to protect about 30 homes from collapsing.

Many Yemeni houses and historical sites have collapsed or been damaged by the heavy rainfall and flooding which the region has been experiencing.

The adverse weather conditions have also led to death of a number of citizens and displaced an estimated 600 families.