UN warns of deepening hunger crisis in war-torn Yemen, urges renewed peace efforts
The United Nations has issued a warning on Wednesday that more than 17 million people in Yemen are facing hunger. It also reported that over a million children under the age of five suffering from life-threatening acute malnutrition and the food crisis in the conflict-ravaged country has worsened since late 2023 and this could deteriorate further in the coming months.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told the Security Council that the number of people going hungry in Yemen could rise to over 18 million by September. The number of children with acute malnutrition may increase to 1.2 million by early next year,with risk of irreversible physical and cognitive damage.
Fletcher said, “This unfolding crisis is made worse by a sharp decline in global funding,” he noted. The UN’s $2.5 billion humanitarian appeal for Yemen in 2025 has received just $222 million so far, only 9% of the target.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, briefing the Council via video, warned of renewed instability following Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s capital and major ports. The Houthis conflict has also given rise to the crisis.
While the Houthis have said they will continue targeting vessels in the Red Sea until the war in Gaza ends, Grundberg cautioned, “Yemen must not be drawn deeper into regional crises that threaten to unravel its already fragile situation.”
“The longer this conflict drags on, the deeper the divisions will become,” he warned, adding that both sides must demonstrate a commitment to peace, including through confidence-building measures such as the long-delayed release of all conflict-related detainees.
“The stakes for Yemen are simply too high,” Grundberg said. “Its future depends on our collective resolve to shield it from further suffering and restore hope and dignity to its people.”
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Indian student dies after suffering severe injuries in house fire in US
New York (PTI): A 24-year-old Indian student in the US has died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire, according to the Indian mission here.
Sahaja Reddy Udumala was pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, New York.
The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X on Friday (local time) that it is “deeply saddened by the untimely demise” of Udumala, who lost her life in the house fire incident in Albany.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the Consulate said, adding that it is in touch with Udumala’s family and is extending all possible assistance.
The Albany Police Department said in a statement that its personnel and the Albany Fire Department responded to the house fire on the morning of December 4.
When they arrived at the scene, officers and firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames and learned that several individuals were still inside the home.
They were able to locate four adult victims inside the residence, who were treated on scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to a hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries.
Two of the victims were later transferred to a medical burn centre for further treatment.
“Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire,” the police department said.
It did not release the victim’s name pending notification of kin but the deceased has been identified as Udumala by her family.
A fundraiser has been launched by Udumala’s cousin Rathna Gopu to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and additional expenses resulting from the tragic accident.
“…our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident.
"Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master’s degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise,” Gopu said on the fundraiser.
Gopu added that Udumala sustained severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 per cent of her body.
“She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure, leading to her passing this morning,” Gopu said, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she shared with everyone around her.
“Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardships.”
So far, over USD 109,000 have been raised through donations out of the total amount of USD 120,000.
