Heavy rains over the past week have compounded the already dire living conditions of the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, UN agencies say. Unicef spokesman Jonathan Crickx told the BBC that the weather overnight had been 'horrendous', with the rain so intense that he had seen up to 15cm (6in) of water on the ground near his office. He said he was extremely concerned that children living in tents and makeshift shelters in wet clothing would succumb to hypothermia and other illnesses. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has reported one baby has died from hypothermia and at least 11 others have died in building collapses caused by the severe weather. UN agencies have stepped up deliveries of tents, blankets, and clothes since the Gaza ceasefire began nine weeks ago, but they have stressed that the aid is inadequate. It is estimated that almost 55,000 families have been affected by the rains, with their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed. More than 40 designated emergency shelters were severely flooded following downpours on Monday and Tuesday, forcing many people to relocate again. This tragic situation is exacerbated by the extreme vulnerability of families who have already been displaced multiple times due to ongoing conflicts. The International Committee of the Red Cross calls for increased humanitarian assistance to address these urgent and long-term needs.}
Heavy Rains Devastate Displaced Gazans Amid Ongoing Crisis
Heavy Rains Devastate Displaced Gazans Amid Ongoing Crisis
UN agencies warn of worsening conditions for displaced families in Gaza following heavy rains, with reports of fatalities and severe damage to shelters and belongings.
Heavy rains in Gaza have aggravated already dire conditions for displaced individuals, with almost 55,000 families affected. UN agencies have increased aid deliveries, but many families remain in makeshift shelters vulnerable to the weather. A tragic incident reported the death of a two-week-old infant due to hypothermia, while multiple others have died in building collapses. The humanitarian situation remains critical as needs continue to rise amid ongoing reconstruction issues.
