U.S. airstrikes on Yemen's Ras Isa fuel port on Thursday have plunged local hospitals into crisis, overwhelming staff as they struggle to treat scores of wounded patients.
The death toll from the strikes, which targeted the port and several concrete tanks used for storing imported fuel, has risen to 80, with 150 other people wounded, Houthi-run health authorities reported on Saturday.
Local hospitals are grappling with resource shortages and a lack of international assistance.
In hospitals across Yemen's Red Sea city of Hodeidah, southeast of the port, about 170 people are being treated for injuries sustained in the Thursday airstrikes.
"When we arrived at the Ras Isa port dock and were getting out of the car, the airstrikes started. There were eight double strikes -- that means 16 explosions. I was hit by shrapnel. Thank God I survived. I tied my leg; I saw it was almost cut off, but still hanging. I tried to crawl to a safer place while the fire kept chasing us," said Hamid Al-Adani, a port worker and injured survivor.
Yemen's healthcare system has collapsed after a decade of war and international sanctions, leading to a significant decline in medical services, with many health facilities no longer operational.
Despite these challenges, health officials are doing their utmost to manage the pressure resulting from the recent airstrikes.
"There are difficulties, complications, and real pain for the wounded. But the health sector, with the help of all hospitals, their staff, and strong public support, will be able to handle any cases. The government and the private sector are working together to face the situation," said Dr. Nasher Al-Qaoud, a health official.
The health crisis in Yemen stands as one of the country's most significant humanitarian disasters, with over 17.8 million people in urgent need of medical assistance. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing severe challenges. Malnutrition rates remain alarmingly high in many regions.
The Ras Isa port has been a main lifeline for importing fuel into the areas seized by the Houthi group. The group has controlled vast areas of northern Yemen since it started a civil war against the government in late 2014.
The attack marks the deadliest since the U.S. resumed its airstrikes on Houthi targets in mid-March.
Yemen’s hospitals in crisis after U.S. airstrikes leave dozens wounded
Yemen’s hospitals in crisis after U.S. airstrikes leave dozens wounded
Yemen’s hospitals in crisis after U.S. airstrikes leave dozens wounded
