DaysofPal- Authorities in the Gaza Strip have issued renewed warnings as a winter storm sweeps across the territory, heightening concerns over flooding and cold-related hazards amid fragile infrastructure and widespread displacement.
Officials say the storm is the third to affect Gaza since the start of winter. Heavy rainfall is expected to persist through Monday, according to meteorological forecasts, raising fears of severe impact on already damaged residential areas and informal shelters.
Despite warnings to displaced families, authorities caution that the destruction of infrastructure and the prevalence of makeshift housing significantly increase the risk of disaster.
Large numbers of displaced residents remain in temporary shelters, unable to withstand heavy rain, strong winds, or falling temperatures.
Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of Gaza’s Government Media Office, stated that the territory’s vulnerability has been exacerbated by extensive damage caused by ongoing Israeli attacks.
Al-Thawabta warned that intense rainfall and potential flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas and neighborhoods near valleys and drainage channels, could further deteriorate living conditions.
He said government agencies, working with partner institutions, have provided shelter to some families affected by earlier storms, but acknowledged that efforts are severely limited by shortages of resources and equipment.
He noted that many displaced families continue to live in overcrowded and inadequate shelters lacking necessities.
Furthermore, he added that widespread damage to sewage networks and rainwater drainage systems has compounded health and environmental risks, especially as temperatures drop and moisture levels rise.
According to Al-Thawabta, authorities currently lack the capacity to mount a full emergency response due to the ongoing blockade, border closures, and restrictions on the entry of shelter materials and emergency supplies.
He warned that similar conditions could lead to a repeat of the devastation caused by Storm “Perun,” which resulted in flooding, structural collapses, and civilian casualties.
Technical assessments indicate that the most vulnerable areas include low-lying neighborhoods, residential communities near drainage routes, and informal displacement sites lacking proper infrastructure, particularly where sewage systems were damaged during the Israeli genocidal war.
The Government Media Office called for heightened public awareness and strict adherence to safety instructions, urging stronger coordination between municipalities, field institutions, and humanitarian organizations.
Officials also appealed for urgent international support to provide shelter materials and emergency aid and renewed calls for the opening of border crossings to allow essential supplies into Gaza.
Storm “Perun,” which struck the Gaza Strip approximately two weeks ago, killed at least 19 Palestinians, injured others, and caused widespread flooding of displacement centers.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=70752
