Families in Gaza are facing a difficult decision after a recent winter storm wreaked havoc on their living conditions. The storm caused floods that destroyed shelters in encampments, leading to the tragic death of a baby due to exposure. Now, these families must choose between staying in tents exposed to the elements or seeking shelter in buildings damaged during the conflict, which pose a risk of collapsing.
In the latest incident, a two-story home in northwest Gaza City partially collapsed, trapping a family underneath. Tragically, one man lost his life, and a family of five sustained serious injuries. The local authorities have warned that more buildings weakened by the storm are at risk of falling due to ongoing heavy rain and strong winds in Gaza.
Abu Rami Al-Husari shared the harrowing experience of his brother and nephews who were inside a damaged building when it collapsed on them. The winter storm has exacerbated the already dire living conditions in Gaza, with torrential rains and freezing temperatures leading to a deeper humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian organizations have been vocal about the insufficient aid reaching Gaza since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The lack of promised assistance has left many families without proper shelter or basic necessities, exacerbating the suffering caused by the recent natural disaster.
According to reports from the Gaza government media office, at least 11 people have lost their lives due to building collapses caused by the storm. More than a dozen buildings have collapsed, and over 27,000 tents used as shelters have been swept away or flooded. The Palestinian Civil Defence has cautioned against staying in damaged buildings, as they pose a grave danger of collapsing.
Rescue efforts are underway with limited resources, as the director of the Palestinian Civil Defence in the northern governorate highlighted the risk of further building collapses. Tragic incidents, such as the collapse of two buildings that claimed 12 lives, have underscored the urgent need for safer living conditions for displaced families in Gaza.
The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency emphasized the critical need for increased aid to prevent further risks to displaced families. Urgent action is required to provide adequate shelter and resources to the vulnerable population in Gaza, especially in the wake of the recent storm and its devastating impact on already fragile living conditions.