Yemen has faced sustained conflict and repeated humanitarian shocks for over a decade, with internally displaced people remaining among the most vulnerable to sudden emergencies. On 13 January, a fire spread through a Somali refugee camp in Qatabah district, Al Dhale’e governorate, destroying 25 shelters belonging to families who had already been displaced from their homes. This secondary displacement further exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, leaving affected families without shelter, protection, or essential belongings.
Somalian refugee camp during the fire spread in Al Dhale’e, Yemen, 13 January 2026
Identifying urgent needs in the Camp
On the same day, Acted rapidly mobilized resources to conduct a rapid needs assessment (RNA) to identify the losses and damages incurred by affected households. Based on the assessment findings and the most urgent identified needs, Acted activated its Crisis Modifier, a flexible funding mechanism that enables rapid response to sudden-onset shocks, in order to provide comprehensive multisectoral support to affected households.
Acted Rapid Needs Assessment, Somalian refugee camp after the fire spread in Al Dhale’e, 13 January 2026
Acted’s provision of Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items
Acted initially provided 18 affected households, representing 72 individuals (including 33 women and girls and 39 men and boys), with emergency shelters designed to restore safe and dignified living conditions, thanks to EU humanitarian support.
Somalian refugee shelter after the fire spread in Al Dhale’e, Yemen, 2 February 2026
In addition, Acted distributed 18 Non-Food Item (NFI) kits comprising blankets, mattresses, kitchen sets, buckets, and mats. This assistance enabled affected internally displaced families to restore basic living conditions and begin their early recovery process.
NFI kits distribution for the IDPs families after the fire spread in Al Dhale’e, Yemen, 22 January 2026
Rebuilding lives after devastating fire
The situation was extremely difficult and indescribable. Fear overwhelmed me, as my tent was the only refuge for my family and me. I kept thinking about where we would live and stay since my tent had completely burned down along with all its contents.
Following the intervention, Layla says, “Acted provided us with tents, bedding, blankets, hygiene kits, and cash assistance to buy food. All of these items were extremely useful and important for us. Now, our situation has improved greatly, and we have adequate shelter for my family and me.”
Layla* sharing her testimony after receiving a new shelter, NFIs, and hygiene kits in Qatabah district, Al Dhale’e governorate, 11 March 2026
As part of the project “Improving Living Conditions and Supporting Durable Solutions for Displacement-Affected Communities across Yemen,” implemented in partnership with the Yemen Displacement Response Consortium and supported by the European Union through its Humanitarian Aid Operations, Acted has provided emergency assistance through its Crisis Modifier mechanism to a total of 4,660 individuals (2,339 males and 2,321 females) affected by sudden shocks, including fire incidents, floods, and sudden displacement.
This intervention delivered critical relief and immediate support to affected families, helping them recover from sudden crises and restore safety, dignity, and stability.
NFI kits distribution for the IDPs families after the fire spread in Qatabah district, Al Dhale’e, 22 January 2026