So I've been in the capital, Sana'a, as part of a small UN mission to assess the situation on the ground in Sana'a. My own mission has focused on the IT and telecommunications infrastructure within Yemen, specifically the UN security communications systems.

Yemen is bracing itself for the deteriorating fuel situation. Without it, mobile networks are set to run out of power which is a frightening thought: it's security level 6 here so it's crucial that security communications remain operational. The UN radio system is supporting staff in Sana'a.

Together with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), I've installed a solar power back-up system at the main repeater site in Sana'a so now have a way to communicate when the mobile network eventually goes down, as well as assessing the IT, telecoms and power needs of the humanitarian community in Sana'a, and proposing a plan of action for the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) to respond.

What did we do in the evenings?

To keep our spirits up and the team as one, there was a lot of joking, laughing, some juggling of 25L water containers and watching funny clips on YouTube. Check out Eddie Izzard – Death Star Canteen. Hilarious.

Another evening falls on the Yemeni capital. Let's see if we can get out tomorrow.

Chris Alagna, Senior FITTEST Telecommunications Specialist: on an assessment mission for ETC Yemen.