Hundreds of thousands of Gazans who have been displaced are in danger of flooding due to heavy rains, with essential materials for shelters and sandbags being blocked from entering the area, according to the UN International Organization for Migration. The Gaza Strip experienced torrential rain on Thursday, causing flooding in tents where families displaced by two years of conflict are residing. Tragically, a baby girl lost her life due to exposure during the storm, as confirmed by local health officials.
The impact of storm Byron has been severe, resulting in the death or disappearance of 12 individuals, the collapse of at least 13 buildings, and flooding of 27,000 tents, as reported by the media office of the Hamas-run Gaza government. The IOM highlighted that nearly 795,000 displaced people are at a heightened risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas filled with rubble and inadequate shelter conditions. The lack of proper drainage and waste management further increases the risk of disease outbreaks, according to the UN agency.
Critical supplies such as timber, plywood, sandbags, and water pumps to reinforce shelters and combat flooding have been delayed from entering Gaza due to access restrictions, the IOM noted. Israel has defended its actions, accusing aid agencies of inefficiency and failing to prevent theft by Hamas, a claim denied by the group. COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing humanitarian affairs, did not provide an immediate response for comment on the situation.
In one of the displaced camps in Nuseirat, central Gaza, residents are struggling with ankle-deep water surrounding their tents, leading to damaged belongings and challenging living conditions. Families are facing difficulties in even preparing meals due to the flooding ruining their food supplies. Amidst the devastation, residents like Bahjat Dardouna expressed their despair over the collapse of shelters and loss of belongings, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
Despite prior dispatch of aid supplies including waterproof tents, thermal blankets, and tarpaulins, these resources proved insufficient to withstand the impact of the flooding, the IOM revealed. Following the recent storm, families are doing their best to protect their children amidst the challenging circumstances, as highlighted by IOM director general Amy Pope.
The ongoing conflict and destruction in Gaza have severely damaged infrastructure, leading to dire living conditions for the population. UN and Palestinian officials have stressed the urgent requirement of 300,000 new tents to accommodate the approximately 1.5 million displaced individuals. The World Health Organization has raised concerns about over 4,000 people living in high-risk coastal areas, warning of health hazards from pollution and lack of proper sanitation measures.