Flooding threatens 40% of Gaza's population
The Chronify
UN sounds alarm as flooding endangers almost half of Gaza’s population across 760+ overcrowded camps
The United Nations (UN) has raised alarm over severe flooding in Gaza, warning that nearly 40% of the area’s residents are now in heightened danger as heavy rainfall worsens conditions in hundreds of displacement camps.
UN spokesperson Farhan Haq stated at a Thursday briefing that continuous rain has inundated makeshift shelters, damaging people’s few remaining possessions and increasing health threats such as hypothermia in infants and illnesses caused by sewage overflow. According to Haq, UN relief teams and partner organisations have launched a rapid coordinated response to handle flooding incidents.
He noted that this joint system has already dealt with more than 160 flood alerts since early Thursday. Aid groups on the ground have been distributing emergency items—including tents, plastic sheeting, warm clothing, blankets, and hygiene kits—as well as tools, sand, and empty flour sacks used as improvised sandbags.
Based on current assessments, more than 760 displacement camps, home to around 850,000 people, face the greatest risk of flooding—representing about 40% of Gaza’s population.
Haq stressed that humanitarian needs remain overwhelming and urged that restrictions on aid operations be eased. He called for lifting limits on international NGOs and on UNRWA, which continues providing assistance despite major operational challenges. More entry points into Gaza are also needed to allow vital relief supplies to reach civilians.
Since Wednesday, thousands of temporary shelters housing survivors of the ongoing conflict have been submerged, ruining bedding, clothing, and food stocks. Countless families have been left exposed to cold weather with little protection.
Earlier estimates show Gaza requires roughly 300,000 tents or prefabricated shelters to meet minimum housing needs after the destruction of much of its infrastructure during two years of conflict. The UN places the reconstruction cost at approximately $70 billion.
Since October 2023, more than 70,000 Palestinians—the majority women and children—have been reported killed in Gaza.
UN spokesperson Farhan Haq stated at a Thursday briefing that continuous rain has inundated makeshift shelters, damaging people’s few remaining possessions and increasing health threats such as hypothermia in infants and illnesses caused by sewage overflow. According to Haq, UN relief teams and partner organisations have launched a rapid coordinated response to handle flooding incidents.
He noted that this joint system has already dealt with more than 160 flood alerts since early Thursday. Aid groups on the ground have been distributing emergency items—including tents, plastic sheeting, warm clothing, blankets, and hygiene kits—as well as tools, sand, and empty flour sacks used as improvised sandbags.
Based on current assessments, more than 760 displacement camps, home to around 850,000 people, face the greatest risk of flooding—representing about 40% of Gaza’s population.
Haq stressed that humanitarian needs remain overwhelming and urged that restrictions on aid operations be eased. He called for lifting limits on international NGOs and on UNRWA, which continues providing assistance despite major operational challenges. More entry points into Gaza are also needed to allow vital relief supplies to reach civilians.
Since Wednesday, thousands of temporary shelters housing survivors of the ongoing conflict have been submerged, ruining bedding, clothing, and food stocks. Countless families have been left exposed to cold weather with little protection.
Earlier estimates show Gaza requires roughly 300,000 tents or prefabricated shelters to meet minimum housing needs after the destruction of much of its infrastructure during two years of conflict. The UN places the reconstruction cost at approximately $70 billion.
Since October 2023, more than 70,000 Palestinians—the majority women and children—have been reported killed in Gaza.
