In besieged Yemeni city, drinking water supplies hit crisis levels

As of October 24, 2026, Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city, is facing a severe water crisis due to the ongoing siege by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The problem has escalated over recent weeks as the conflict between the Houthis and government forces intensifies. With more than 1 million residents in need of basic services, humanitarian groups report that access to wells is limited, desalination plants are running low on fuel, and water delivery trucks are largely prevented from entering the city.

Families like Hadil al-Shahid’s have had to drastically cut their daily water usage. Before the siege began, they used about 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of bottled water per day for drinking and cooking; now that amount lasts four days instead. The cost of bottled water has increased by up to 75%, and some families are buying it on credit. Additionally, shortages of food and fuel have caused prices to soar, further exacerbating the crisis.