Heavy rainfall in Gaza has claimed the lives of six people, as deteriorating weather conditions worsen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The torrential rains have led to widespread flooding across tent camps and caused the collapse of several buildings already weakened by the ongoing conflict. This has further compounded the suffering of Gaza’s residents, many of whom have been displaced and homeless for over two years.
Among the six fatalities, five individuals—including two women and a child—lost their lives when weakened structures succumbed to strong winds and collapsed. Additionally, a one-year-old infant died from severe exposure to the cold, as the flimsy tent providing shelter offered no protection against the freezing temperatures.
The storm has uprooted numerous tents, carrying them away and leaving a large number of people directly exposed to the biting winter cold and harsh winds. Emergency relief efforts are facing significant obstacles, including acute fuel shortages and a lack of functional rescue equipment. These challenges have severely hindered the ability of relevant authorities to provide adequate assistance to those in need.
According to Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, 31 people have died since the onset of winter due to extreme cold or structural collapses. The group further reported that approximately 7,000 tents have been destroyed within the last 48 hours.
A report released by the United Nations highlighted that hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in Gaza remain at high risk of flooding. The UN emphasized that the most urgent priority at this time is the provision of sufficient tents and shelter materials for the people of Gaza.
