UN Warns Recent Rains Impact Over 200,000 in Gaza, Exacerbating Humanitarian Crisis
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, recent heavy rains in the Gaza Strip have impacted more than 200,000 Palestinians and damaged the shelters of over 40,000 families, as stated by Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Laerke cautioned that continued rainfall could intensify the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leading to further flooding and contamination of drinking water sources. He described the past weekend as a “nightmare” for hundreds of thousands in Gaza, noting that the UN had warned the Israeli authorities months in advance about the flood risk and requested the wider entry of tents and relief supplies. However, no agreement was reached on this matter.
The OCHA spokesperson clarified that restrictions imposed by Israel have trapped Palestinians in flood-prone areas, making it difficult even to replace destroyed tents.
According to OCHA figures, approximately 950,000 Palestinians live in temporary shelters with medium or high flood risk, with over 400,000 located in high-risk zones. Additionally, around 150,000 tents purchased by humanitarian organizations have still not received permission to enter the Gaza Strip.
OCHA announced that relief groups, with limited resources, have conducted water pumping and sewage pathway cleaning operations in 25 shelter locations, benefiting the living conditions of approximately 3,700 families. Furthermore, the clearing of sewage networks and rainwater channels in 60 locations has improved the living conditions for about 30,000 families.
Nevertheless, 245 shelter areas and 23 locations along roads, primarily in Gaza City and its northern areas, still require immediate intervention with heavy machinery. OCHA also emphasized the necessity for water pumps and excavation equipment to drain water and prepare safer areas.
Local reports indicate that the recent weather system caused flooding in over 70,000 tents in Gaza, and dozens of war-damaged walls also collapsed. The Gaza Rescue and Relief Organization reported the deaths of two women and three children due to a sand collapse on the tents of displaced people in Deir al-Balah.
The United Nations stressed that despite the widespread need for shelter and reconstruction, restrictions on the entry of construction materials, equipment, and relief items continue to limit the capacity of humanitarian organizations to respond to the crisis.
