Al-Fassel | 2026-01-30

Sanaa, once a thriving cultural and economic hub, now faces a devastating humanitarian crisis under Houthi rule.

With millions on the brink of famine and essential services decimated, this is the story of a city's descent into catastrophe.

Known for its breathtaking architecture, fertile valleys and advanced water systems, this UNESCO World Heritage site is near environmental collapse under Houthi occupation.

Sanaa's story highlights how the actions of the Houthis are not only eroding Yemen's cultural heritage but also undermining its ecological and environmental resilience.

Sanaa's decline under Houthi control

For centuries, Sanaa was renowned for its innovative water systems and fertile agricultural lands.

Historic Ottoman accounts described its valleys as producing abundant blessings when touched by rain.

However, years of prolonged conflict have reversed this abundance, leaving the environment in near collapse.

The terraces that once adorned its mountainsides lie abandoned, echoing the exhaustion of the city’s people.

The Sanaa Basin, a lifeline for local agriculture, is now depleted, with groundwater levels dropping six to eight meters annually.

According to UN agencies, Sanaa faces the chilling prospect of running out of economically viable water supplies within decades.

The legacy of neglect

Sanaa's iconic architecture, tower-like homes adorned with elaborate gypsum patterns and stained-glass windows, has also suffered under Houthi mismanagement.

The terraces, vital for fertile lands, are collapsing as vegetation dwindles by 30%, threatening native plant species essential to food security and ecosystem balance.

UNESCO projects aimed at mitigating damage have made strides in preserving historic buildings but are insufficient against widespread urban decay and environmental degradation.

The tale of Sanaa symbolizes broader impacts of Houthi rule, engulfing not only people but the systems essential to life.

Yemeni farmers' traditional knowledge and sustainable techniques could play a crucial role in helping the city recover its spirit.

However, Sanaa's survival relies not only on its civilians but also on the Houthis ending their destructive actions.

Their mismanagement of the city and Yemeni lives must stop to ensure recovery and long-term stability in Yemen.