Gaza Displaced Fear Flooding as First Autumn Rains Arrive

The first autumn rains in the Gaza Strip have revived fears among displaced Palestinians of their tents flooding, mirroring past disasters. The recent rainfall exposed the fragility of the makeshift shelters, many of which have been in use for nearly three years, far exceeding their six-month lifespan. Residents are scrambling to patch up their worn-out tents and reinforce them against wind and water, facing a shortage of weather-resistant shelters and insulation materials.

The early rains heighten concerns about the approaching winter, as the majority of tents have been used since the conflict began in October 2023. UNICEF previously reported in January 2026 that repeated winter storms and floods had destroyed thousands of temporary shelters, forcing families into cold, damp, and unsafe conditions.

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs in Gaza, over 90% of Palestinians in the Strip are living in dilapidated tents, shelters, or the ruins of homes destroyed by Israel. The ministry highlighted that the lack of infrastructure, sanitation, and proper drainage systems in displacement areas exacerbates the risks. Rain and wind could turn displacement camp pathways into muddy swamps, hindering movement and increasing accident risks. Accumulated waste in these areas also contributes to the spread of rodents and insects, raising the danger of disease transmission, compounded by potential sewage leaks.

Compounding the issue is a severe shortage of essential winter supplies, including tents, blankets, bedding, winter clothing, insulation, and heating. The prolonged use of these items, often for years beyond their intended lifespan, diminishes their ability to withstand harsh weather. This scarcity fuels anxieties about vulnerable populations, particularly children, the sick, and the elderly, succumbing to the cold.

Thousands of displaced individuals have resorted to occupying partially or severely damaged buildings due to the lack of alternative housing. In December 2025, the International Organization for Migration warned that approximately 795,000 displaced people were at risk of flooding, with available tents and coverings proving inadequate. The article also notes a recent incident where a 6-story building, damaged by an Israeli airstrike and housing displaced families, collapsed, killing 21 people, including 5 children, and injuring 45 others.