Tents and makeshift shelters housing tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians across the Gaza Strip have been almost completely destroyed following severe flooding triggered by heavy rains. Authorities said the public has been plunged into deep distress as these temporary dwellings offered little to no protection against the harsh weather.
It is reported that the Palestinian Civil Defence received over 1,500 emergency distress calls in the wake of the severe conditions.
Key Points
- 70,000 tents submerged by rains pounding the area since Friday night
- Palestinian Civil Defence receives more than 1,500 emergency calls
- Losses caused by the storm estimated at 3 million US dollars
- Nearly 400,000 displaced persons remain in high-risk zones
70,000 tents submerged
According to information released by the Government Media Office, fierce winds and torrential downpours since Friday night inundated 70,000 tents and caused numerous walls to collapse. Mattresses, pillows and clothes belonging to the residents were completely soaked through.
Warnings have also been issued that nearly 400,000 displaced Palestinians continue to shelter in areas that remain at serious risk of flooding.
“The recent storm demonstrated just how fragile their protection really is. Within a matter of hours, heavy rain and strong winds tore down shelters that people had laboured for days to reinforce,” an Al Jazeera report noted.
Crisis amid restrictions
This flooding has hit at a time when Israel has imposed stringent restrictions on aid supplies entering the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. The overall damage from this storm alone is estimated to be around 3 million US dollars.
More than 74,640 people have been killed in the war that erupted on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Reports also indicate that at least 1,610 Palestinians have been killed by Israel even after the ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025.
