Gaza Storms Flood Thousands of Tents, Killing 4 as Nearly 1 Million Face Winter Flood Risk
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 12
Gaza Storms Flood Thousands of Tents, Killing 4 as Nearly 1 Million Face Winter Flood Risk
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 12
Summary
Weekend storms flooded or damaged thousands of tents across Gaza, killing at least four people after a landslide south of Deir al-Balah hit encampments, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Water rose to nearly 5 feet in some areas, and Gaza Civil Defense said it received more than 2,000 distress calls as rains also damaged hospitals and learning centers.
The U.N. estimates nearly 1 million displaced people are living in sites exposed to medium or high flood risk, many in deteriorating shelters unsuited to wind and cold.
Reconstruction plans remain stalled a year after the U.S.-brokered ceasefire: Board of Peace officials say $280 million and 66 projects are ready, but Israel has not authorized forces needed to begin disarming Hamas and rebuilding.
Aid workers warned this was only the start of winter, with destroyed sewage systems and unstable damaged buildings likely to worsen future flooding and safety risks.