Gaza's Displaced Face Flood Risks as Winter Approaches
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Nearly 950,000 displaced people in Gaza are living in flood-prone areas, with 400,000 in highly dangerous locations, according to the WHO representative. Recent rains have already impacted tents and increased disease risks, with severe shortages of medical supplies and fuel exacerbating the situation. The approaching winter threatens to overwhelm Gaza's already strained healthcare system, with calls for urgent aid and equipment entry.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 950,000 displaced Gazans live in flood-prone areas, 400,000 in highly dangerous locations.
- WHO warns of worsening health and humanitarian conditions as winter approaches Gaza.
- Recent rains destroyed tents and increased disease risks due to mixed sewage and floodwaters.
- Gaza's health system is overwhelmed, facing severe shortages of fuel, medicine, and equipment.
- Damaged infrastructure, including sewage systems, heightens flood risks for displaced populations.
- Urgent entry of tents, medical supplies, and equipment is requested for Gaza.
Approximately 950,000 displaced individuals in the Gaza Strip are living in areas vulnerable to flooding, with 400,000 residing in highly dangerous locations, according to Rainehilde Van de Velde, the World Health Organization's representative in the occupied Palestinian territories. Speaking at a UN press conference in Geneva, Van de Velde warned of deteriorating health and humanitarian conditions as winter nears.
She highlighted that Gaza's health services are under intense Israeli attacks, and the healthcare system is already overwhelmed. The WHO and its partners are struggling to maintain services amidst severe shortages of fuel and medical supplies. Recent rainfall served as a precursor to the challenges ahead, with Van de Velde stating, "The worst is yet to come."
Families have reported their tents, often their sole shelter, being swept away by floodwaters. The mixing of sewage, waste, and contaminated water with living and sleeping areas within flooded camps increases the risk of disease. Acute respiratory infections have risen by approximately 33,000 cases compared to the same period last year, accounting for 11% of medical visits before winter's onset.
Around nine health facilities have sustained damage, and rain is hindering access for both staff and patients. The WHO is requesting the urgent entry of durable tents, plastic sheeting, and materials for clean water and waste management. Laboratory equipment for rapid pathogen identification is unavailable, and the WHO is calling for its immediate admission, along with medical devices, spare parts, generators, engines, and fuel.
Van de Velde concluded that Gaza's fourth winter will test a healthcare system at its breaking point, emphasizing that urgent action should have begun months ago when the UN first warned of this situation. The risks of rain and flooding are exacerbated by the destruction of nearly 90% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure, including sewage and stormwater drainage systems, due to the Israeli war. The health sector faces critical shortages of medicine and supplies due to the ongoing Israeli blockade and restrictions on aid, despite a ceasefire agreement effective October 10, 2025.
Mentioned
