Storms, floods bring new challenges to Gazans

Gaza [Palestine], November 27: Israel's more than two-year genocidal war has forced nearly all of Gaza's two million people from their homes to live in makeshift tents in displacement camps. Added to their suffering is the prospect of harsh winter storms and flooding that might see even these temporary shelters, which are unable to withstand harsh conditions, disappear.
Gaza has already been subjected to worsening weather conditions. "Over the past 24 hours, we've seen strong wind, heavy rainfall and plummeting temperatures here, turning many of the displacement areas here into pools of muddy water," said Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City.
"We have areas that have been completely submerged by water, areas that were flooded by the heavy rainfall that was mixed with sewage water as well, making it very dangerous for people here."
These conditions have reduced whole families to scooping muddy water from their tents using only buckets and holding down their tents using other rudimentary tools such as rocks and blocks, in the hopes of protecting the few belongings they have left.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) last week said the downpours have damaged at least 13,000 tents. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune