Hundreds of thousands of dislocated individuals in Gaza are at risk of flooding caused by heavy rains, with essential shelter materials like sandbags and timber being denied entry into the area, according to the UN International Organization for Migration. Torrential rain inundated the Gaza Strip, leading to the flooding of tents housing families displaced by two years of conflict and resulting in the tragic death of a baby girl from exposure, as reported by local health authorities.
The storm named Byron has claimed 12 lives and left others missing, causing the collapse of at least 13 structures and flooding 27,000 tents, as disclosed by the media office of the Hamas-led Gaza government. Approximately 795,000 displaced persons are facing increased risks of dangerous floods in low-lying, debris-strewn regions where they are residing in precarious shelters, as highlighted by the IOM. The lack of proper drainage and waste management further exacerbates the potential for disease outbreaks, the UN agency emphasized.
The delivery of crucial materials like timber, plywood, sandbags, and water pumps to reinforce shelters and combat flooding has been obstructed from entering Gaza due to restrictions on access, the IOM explained. Israel asserts that it is fulfilling its responsibilities and blames agencies for inefficiency and failing to prevent theft by Hamas, a claim denied by the group. COGAT, the Israeli military unit overseeing humanitarian affairs, was not immediately reachable for comment.
In a displaced camp in Nuseirat, central Gaza, ankle-deep water has accumulated around tents, saturating belongings like mattresses, shoes, and clothes. Despite efforts to bail out the water, the situation remains dire, with families struggling to cope with the circumstances. Bahjat Dardouna recounted how his son’s family narrowly escaped a collapsing tent, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Supplies dispatched to Gaza, including waterproof tents, thermal blankets, and tarpaulins, proved insufficient to withstand the flooding, as noted by the IOM. Families are now grappling with the aftermath of the storm, trying to protect their children using whatever means available. While a ceasefire agreement was signed on October 10, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have persisted, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The conflict has inflicted severe damage on Gaza’s infrastructure, leading to intolerable living conditions. UN and Palestinian authorities have highlighted the urgent need for 300,000 new tents to accommodate the approximately 1.5 million displaced individuals. The World Health Organization has raised concerns about over 4,000 individuals residing in high-risk coastal areas, facing health hazards due to pollution and lack of adequate protection.
