More than 3,400 people have crossed the sea from Yemen to Djibouti in 48 hours as renewed fighting drives a growing humanitarian crisis.

Obock, Djibouti (Running Africa) — More than 3,400 people fleeing renewed fighting in Yemen have crossed the Red Sea into Djibouti, as a rapid Houthi advance along Yemen’s western coast drives thousands of families from their homes, according to Djiboutian authorities.

The new arrivals have been concentrated around Obock in northern Djibouti, where boats carrying displaced people, including women and children, have reached the coast.

Djiboutian security and health services have been deployed alongside United Nations agencies to provide food, water, and emergency assistance.

Yemen Fighting Sends Thousands Across Red Sea to Djibouti

The increase in arrivals follows the Houthis’ capture of the Red Sea port of Mocha and their advance towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes.

The narrow waterway separates Yemen from Djibouti and connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, making developments along the coast significant for both regional security and international shipping.

For civilians caught in the renewed fighting, the short but dangerous maritime route to Djibouti has become a means of escape from conflict-affected areas.

More Than 85,000 Displaced Within Yemen

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said more than 85,000 people had been displaced inside Yemen by September 13.

More than 82,000 of those displacements had occurred since the beginning of September, highlighting the speed of the latest civilian movement.

At that point, more than 2,000 people had already crossed from Yemen into Djibouti. Djiboutian authorities have since put the number of arrivals above 3,400.

Djibouti Prepares for More Arrivals From Yemen

Djibouti is preparing for additional arrivals if fighting across the Red Sea continues.

The Horn of Africa country already hosts more than 36,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, placing pressure on resources available to support displaced communities.

Authorities and humanitarian organizations are now working to accommodate the latest arrivals while monitoring developments across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Officials have warned that a sustained increase in the number of people fleeing Yemen could place additional strain on Djibouti’s limited resources and humanitarian services.