United Nations..at least 76,000 people have been displaced by fighting in Yemen since July

The United Nations reported on Saturday that at least 76,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since July, noting that the pace of displacement has accelerated as fighting intensifies between the Houthis and government forces.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned in a statement of a "rapidly escalating displacement crisis in Yemen, developing by the hour," adding that "at least 76,000 people have fled their homes since July."

It explained that a quarter of these people were displaced in the past week, as the Houthis launched a major offensive, seizing control of the entire western coast of Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

"This number is four times the figure recorded last week, as the fighting intensifies," the IOM said, warning that "entire families are now displaced, often leaving their homes at night without finding a safe place to go."

An IOM spokesperson told AFP that more than 70,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of September.

The Houthi rebels, who control large swathes of northern Yemen, launched a major offensive last week against Saudi-backed government forces, making rapid territorial gains in battles that have left hundreds dead.

According to the organization, the waves of displacement have left the western coastal areas and Taiz governorate the hardest hit, with some 8,300 families, or nearly 50,000 people, displaced from the governorate's districts.

It noted that many of the displaced families had already been displaced during the conflict, which has now lasted for more than a decade.

"They are exhausted," the organization added. "Their resources are completely depleted, and most fled with only the clothes on their backs."

The organization confirmed that its field teams are distributing emergency aid, including shelter and hygiene supplies, but warned that humanitarian needs "far exceed" what can be provided at present.

"The situation is deteriorating day by day, and the number of displaced people is expected to rise even further in the coming days," it said.