Heavy Rain That Damaged Refugee Tents Exacerbated The Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza

JAKARTA - Tens of thousands of Palestinians who fled in Gaza faced worse conditions on Sunday, as heavy rains caused extensive damage to temporary shelters.

Rainwater flooded the tents that had been established as temporary shelters for families who had been displaced by Israeli airstrikes and bombings.

Rescue teams reported significant damage to tents in several areas across the Gaza Strip, particularly at the Yarmouk Stadium refugee camp, Gaza City Park, and the Al-Shati refugee camp.

Additional damage occurred in areas such as Wadi al-Dumayanthah in Khan Younis, Wadi al-Salqa, around Al-Amal neighborhood, Al-Aqsa University yard, Shakush area in Rafah, and along Deir al-Balah coastline.

The flooded tents, which house thousands of displaced families, have suffered severe damage, damaging personal items, mattresses, and essential items.

The families, who have lost their homes to Israeli genocide, are now facing additional difficulties as their temporary shelters are destroyed by winter rain.

Rescue teams have raised alarms about the increasing risk of further disasters, particularly in low-lying areas where water drainage systems have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

Gaza's infrastructure collapse has made flooding almost impossible to deliver properly, exacerminating the flood situation. In addition to the risk of flooding, there are also growing concerns related to buildings that have been damaged by the bombing, and used as shelters, could collapse, causing more casualties.

Aid organizations have issued urgent calls for additional shelters, including tents and repeaters, to protect families displaced from harsh winter conditions.

While the humanitarian community has warned, if there is no immediate intervention, the situation could worsen, thereby endangering the lives of thousands of displaced people.

Separately, local health authorities confirmed that the death toll from the Israeli attack since October 7, 2023 has risen to 44,211 fatalities, while 104,567 people have been injured. The majority of victims were women and children.