Heavy rains associated with Storm Byron have resulted in significant flooding of thousands of tents accommodating displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, which has endured more than two years of conflict. Reports indicate that the storm, beginning early Wednesday, has submerged tents in various locations across the besieged territory. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, issued a warning about the potential for an “imminent humanitarian disaster” due to the severe weather conditions. The Gaza Government Media Office cautioned that a polar low-pressure system is expected to affect the region from Wednesday to Friday evening, posing further threats to the hundreds of thousands of displaced families. With much of Gaza’s municipal wastewater infrastructure severely damaged, floodwaters are likely to become contaminated with raw sewage, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as dysentery and cholera. Additionally, the accumulation of solid waste throughout the area poses further health risks, as heavy rains may spread medical and environmental hazards. Basal noted that current aid efforts are inadequate for the needs of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, highlighting the pressing requirement for approximately 300,000 tents and pre-fabricated housing units to provide essential shelter following the widespread destruction of infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.
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