Gaza: Warning that more than 1,000 displacement sites could flood during winter

The Network of NGOs in Gaza warned that more than 1,000 sites and camps housing displaced people could flood during winter, due to their location in low-lying areas and a severe shortage of tents and shelter supplies, amid difficulties faced by humanitarian organizations in responding to growing needs.

The Network of NGOs in the Gaza Strip warned on Tuesday that more than 1,000 sites and camps housing displaced people are at risk of flooding during the winter, as many are located in low-lying areas lacking protection and rainwater drainage, and due to a severe shortage of tents and shelter supplies. The network's general coordinator, Muhammad Salha, said in statements obtained by the German Press Agency (dpa) that risks are increasing with the onset of winter and approaching weather depressions, noting that the sites sheltering thousands of families lack adequate measures to mitigate the impact of rain and floods. Salha explained that the entry of tents and tarpaulins into the Strip remains very limited and does not match the scale of needs, especially as many existing tents have deteriorated due to prolonged use and weather conditions, making replacement urgent to protect displaced families. He added that humanitarian organizations and UN agencies face major difficulties in responding to growing needs due to depleted shelter stocks and limited supplies, despite repeated appeals for necessary aid.