OHCHR is concerned with the deteriorating health situation in Taizz, Yemen

The Office of the UN high commission of Human rights (OHCHR) has expressed its concerns at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Taizz, Yemen.

Taizz's civilian population is bearing the brunt of the siege as they struggle to meet their most basic needs, including potable water.

The price of water has soared by 300 percent in the past week. According to reports received by OHCHR, members of the Popular Committees Affiliated with the Houthis and armed forces loyal to former President Saleh have also prevented local traders and residents from crossing check points with water, fruit and vegetables and other essential goods.

OHCHR is concerned with the deteriorating health situation in Taizz and the near collapse of the health system. At present, there are a total of six public and private hospitals that are partially functional in Taizz.

Following the closure of Yemen International Hospital, the largest hospital in the city, smaller private hospitals with limited capacity have been overwhelmed with casualties caused by the fighting.

According to OHCHR, the on-going armed conflict in Yemen is taking a terrible toll on civilians. Yemen Country Office has recorded 7,655 civilian casualties, including 2,577 killed and 5,078 wounded.

In Taizz, at least 15 civilians, including two children and one woman, were killed and 73 civilians, including 13 children and two women, were injured as a result of indiscriminate shelling by members of the Popular Committees affiliated with the Houthis, which targeted residential areas in Taizz that led to the partial destruction of civilian homes, shops, a clinic and a school.