Heartbreaking: Gaza’s Shelters Flooded as the Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Heavy rains worsen the humanitarian disaster in Gaza as damaged infrastructure and destroyed equipment leave civil defense teams unable to respond.
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Mahaud Bosal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip, confirmed that several shelter centers were flooded due to the low-pressure system that struck the area early Friday, causing major damage to tents that were heavily affected by the influx of water.
In statements monitored by the Palestinian Information Center, Bosal explained that thousands of tents were damaged and that clothing and blankets became soaked as water entered the shelters.
He stressed that local authorities have no alternatives to provide safe accommodation for citizens who are already living under extremely harsh conditions caused by two years of ongoing war in Gaza.
Civil Defense Unable to Handle Flood Emergencies
Bosal emphasized that the Civil Defense is facing severe difficulties in responding to flooding cases, especially after Israeli forces destroyed all essential equipment needed to deal with such emergencies.
He stated:
“We can only evacuate citizens and remove immediate danger, but we cannot cope with the scale of destruction we are witnessing.”
Hospital Floor Flooded; Children Trapped
Among the most critical incidents today was the flooding of an entire floor in the “Friends of the Patient Hospital,” which houses many children.
According to the Safa news agency, Civil Defense teams were unable to assist due to extreme conditions and the absence of any proper equipment.
Bosal added that Gaza’s service infrastructure is suffering immensely. He noted that the available municipal services do not meet the population’s needs under the current circumstances.
He describing them as “primitive and inadequate for the catastrophic situation the city is experiencing.”
Warnings of Homes Collapsing Under Heavy Rain
As rain continues to fall and more winter storms approach, Bosal warned that structurally damaged and fragile homes in Gaza could collapse due to flooding or water infiltration, given the extensive destruction of infrastructure caused by the ongoing war.
He concluded with a stark warning:
“Gaza is now facing an extremely difficult and catastrophic situation. The scenes we are witnessing are painful and require an urgent international decision to stop the suffering of Gaza’s residents and save them.” (PW)