ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Scores of families affected by the indiscriminate shelling launched by the Houthi rebels in Hodeidah received food assistance on Saturday, a government official told Xinhua.

The government source, who asked to remain anonymous, said that "many families are in a pressing need for help after leaving their houses due to random shelling launched by Houthis against residential areas in Hodeidah."

He said that humanitarian organizations including the Emirati Red Cresent rushed to provide shelter and food assistance for families that survived the shelling.

In the residential neighborhood of Hays in Hodeidah's southern part, the shelling-affected families and homeless citizens received shelter tents and food baskets, he said.

He added that the number of families affected by the shelling is increasing every day as sporadic fighting is ongoing in Hodeidah.

On Wednesday, a government official said that "nearly 45 families left their houses located in Hodeidah's southern parts, particularly in Tuhyata district, due to the escalation of indiscriminate shelling in recent days."

Last week, the Houthis indiscriminately fired artillery shells against the residential areas in Tuhyata district of Hodeidah, leaving nine civilians killed and 10 others injured, including women and children.

Hodeidah is the main Yemeni port city on the Red Sea and key entry of most Yemen's commercial imports and humanitarian aid.

Iran-allied Houthis control much of Hodeidah while the Saudi-backed government troops have advanced to the southeastern districts.