Storyline: Severe flooding has hit Yemen's southern city of Aden and nearby regions following days of torrential rain, leaving widespread destruction and prompting emergency responses. In the northwestern canyon areas of Aden, floodwaters surged through natural channels carrying runoff from neighboring Lahj province before emptying into the sea. Many houses, some built along or directly on riverbeds, were invulnerable to the floods. Local authorities have repeatedly urged those living in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately to avoid further danger. The floods damaged houses and roads, temporarily trapping hundreds of families. Civil defense units, supported by community volunteers, launched evacuation operations and managed to transfer most of the stranded residents to safety. "Relevant staff continue to work on the ground. So far, no casualties have been reported -- only material losses," said Amjad Al-Hussaini, director of the Office of the Governor of Aden. In the neighboring Lahj province, however, the flooding destroyed large areas of farmland and caused casualties, but official figures have not yet been released. Analysts note that rainfall in southern Yemen has intensified over the past decade. Years of conflict have severely weakened drainage systems and other infrastructure, leaving the region poorly equipped to cope with natural disasters such as the latest floods. Shotlist: Aden, Yemen - Recent: 1. Various of flood 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Amjad Al-Hussaini, director, Office of the Governor, Aden: "Relevant staff continue to work on the ground. So far, no casualties have been reported -- only material losses." 3. Flood 4. Traffic 5. Various of heavy machinery in operation for cleanup work. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]