Gaza City, Gaza Strip Torrential rains have caused severe flooding in shelters housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza, compounding the already dire humanitarian situation in the territory. Families living in makeshift tents and temporary encampments were forced to contend with rising water and mud, destroying possessions and rendering many shelters uninhabitable.
Authorities reported that approximately 93 percent of Gaza’s roughly 135,000 temporary shelters are no longer suitable for living due to prolonged exposure to weather, damage from conflict, and poor construction. Of these, an estimated 110,000 tents have deteriorated beyond repair, leaving tens of thousands of families without proper cover.
Residents of low-lying areas and coastal neighborhoods, such as Shujaiya, described streets and living areas submerged in muddy water. Many families reported that rainwater entered their sleeping quarters, soaking bedding, clothing, and basic cooking equipment, leaving them exposed to the elements.
The flooding has heightened health risks for displaced communities. Standing water in overcrowded camps increases the likelihood of mold growth, hypothermia, and waterborne diseases. Local healthcare systems, already stretched thin by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, face significant challenges in responding to potential outbreaks.
Displaced residents also face economic losses. Many small businesses operating from tents, including home-based bakeries and craft stalls, have been damaged or destroyed. For families who rely on these livelihoods, the floods represent a loss of income and essential resources.
Experts warn that the flooding is not just a result of heavy rainfall but also reflects underlying structural vulnerabilities. Gaza’s sewage and drainage systems have been heavily damaged by years of conflict, causing rainwater to pool in areas where tents are located. Restrictions on imports and aid limit the availability of materials needed to repair or replace damaged shelters.
Conflict-related restrictions further hinder relief efforts. Humanitarian organizations report that movement of aid and displaced families remains limited due to ongoing hostilities, leaving many vulnerable populations without immediate support during the floods.
For many families, the consequences of the floods are immediate and personal. One mother of six described how rainwater entered her tent, soaking mattresses and flooding the area where she baked bread for sale. Her children were exposed to cold, and her means of earning a living were destroyed. Stories like hers illustrate the harsh realities faced by thousands of displaced Palestinians across the Gaza Strip.
International organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), have warned that up to half a million people are at risk from flooding. Relief measures are being prioritized, including the distribution of replacement tents, waterproofing materials, blankets, and warm clothing. Efforts are also underway to improve drainage in the most affected camps.
While immediate relief is crucial, long-term solutions remain limited. Durable shelters, improved infrastructure, and secure housing are essential to prevent repeated disasters in future rainy seasons. Experts stress that without addressing these systemic issues, shelters for displaced Palestinians in Gaza will continue to provide inadequate protection against both natural and man-made crises.
The recent floods in Gaza underline the compounded hardships faced by displaced communities. Temporary shelters designed to provide refuge have become a source of vulnerability, leaving families exposed to the elements, health risks, and economic loss. The humanitarian crisis demands urgent attention, and protecting these shelters is critical to safeguarding thousands of lives.
