Hundreds of Gazans who have been displaced are facing the threat of flooding caused by heavy rains, with necessary materials for shelters and sandbags being blocked from entering the area, according to the UN International Organization for Migration. The Gaza Strip was hit by torrential rain on Thursday, leading to the flooding of tents where families displaced by two years of conflict sought refuge. Tragically, a baby girl lost her life due to exposure during the storm, as reported by local health officials.
Storm Byron has resulted in the deaths or disappearance of 12 individuals, with 13 buildings collapsing and 27,000 tents being flooded, as stated by the media office of the Hamas-controlled Gaza government. The IOM highlighted that nearly 795,000 displaced individuals are at a heightened risk of dangerous flooding in low-lying, debris-strewn areas where they are residing in inadequate shelters. The lack of proper drainage and waste management further increases the risk of disease outbreak, the UN agency warned.
The delivery of essential materials like timber, plywood, sandbags, and water pumps to reinforce shelters and address flooding has been delayed from entering Gaza due to access restrictions, according to the IOM. Israel claims it is fulfilling its obligations and points fingers at agencies for inefficiency and failing to prevent theft by Hamas, an accusation denied by the group. COGAT, the Israeli military unit overseeing humanitarian affairs, was not available for immediate comment.
In Nuseirat, a displaced camp in central Gaza, ankle-deep water has surrounded tents, soaking belongings and leaving families struggling to cope with the situation. Residents like Youssef Tawtah, 50, are tirelessly trying to bail out water, but the challenges persist. Bahjat Dardouna, 50, shared his family’s harrowing experience of their shelter collapsing during the storm, emphasizing the devastation and loss they have faced.
Despite aid supplies dispatched to Gaza, including waterproof tents, thermal blankets, and tarpaulins, proving insufficient against the flooding, IOM’s director general Amy Pope noted the resilience of families in protecting their children amidst the crisis. The ongoing conflict has severely damaged Gaza’s infrastructure, exacerbating the already dire living conditions for its population. The need for 300,000 new tents is urgent, with approximately 1.5 million people still displaced, according to UN and Palestinian officials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns about over 4,000 individuals residing in high-risk coastal areas, with 1,000 directly impacted by sea waves, leading to health hazards from pollution. WHO representative Rik Peeperkorn highlighted the challenges faced by families sheltering in debris-filled coastal regions without proper drainage or protective measures, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.