gaza Storm Worsens Humanitarian Crisis, Claims Lives of Displaced Palestinians
Gaza City, January 13, 2024 – A severe storm has battered the western coast of Gaza City, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation for displaced Palestinians. The intense weather overwhelmed makeshift shelters, leading to the collapse of structures and tragically resulting in the deaths of at least three family members.
The storm caused widespread damage to tents and temporary accommodations housing those displaced by ongoing conflict. Residents described scenes of chaos as they struggled to salvage belongings and seek safety amidst the downpour and collapsing structures.
“The tents and tarpaulins collapsed due to the violent storm,” recounted Oum Khalid, a displaced resident of Gaza. “I took my children from my tent to the neighbour’s, but it was no use. Our tents and mattresses are wholly wet. Look, my daughter is still sleeping under the tent. The situation is very tough.”
Another displaced individual, Khaled Saleh, shared his harrowing experience: “The tent collapsed on my children while we were inside. I managed to get them out, along with my 50-day-old son, and we took refuge with a relative. The next morning, when I woke up, the tent was completely destroyed.I’m trying to recover our things.now it’s uninhabitable.”
The storm’s impact extended beyond damaged tents, with reports of building collapses claiming lives. A relative of the victims reported a devastating incident where an eight-meter wall fell on a family, killing a 73-year-old man, his 40-year-old daughter-in-law, and a 13-year-old girl. Civil Protection teams responded to multiple incidents, including the collapse of a twenty-meter wall onto a displacement camp.
The situation remains critical for displaced people along the coast, highlighting the urgent need for improved shelter and humanitarian assistance as winter conditions intensify. the storm serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by Palestinians already enduring the hardships of displacement and conflict.
Related reading