Gaza flooding: Child dies as winter storms drown displacement camps

Medical sources reported on Thursday that a nine-month-old baby girl died as a result of the severe cold inside a tent in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. While a civil defence spokesperson revealed that Gaza flooding left  thousands of tents damaged and blown away.

Activists on social media shared a photo of the infant who died from the cold, amid mounting calls to help the residents of the Strip and save them from the heavy weather.

The Civil Defence Agency said it had received more than 2,500 distress calls in 24 hours. It confirmed that the current tents are unable to withstand the weather conditions, calling on the international community to take urgent action.

Gaza flooding is worsening humanitarian conditions

For its part, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) stressed that alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s residents is possible if humanitarian aid is allowed to enter without hindrance. It will enable them to get through the winter with a degree of safety and dignity.

UNRWA explained that the rains falling again on Gaza are exacerbating the humanitarian situation in light of the widespread destruction caused by the Israeli war over the past two years. It added that flooded streets and wet tents are worsening fragile living conditions and increasing health risks.

The agency also warned that severe cold, overcrowding, and lack of sanitation services are promoting the spread of disease and infection. It noted that the flow of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and shelter materials, can alleviate this worsening suffering.

The Civil Defence Agency confirmed yesterday that more than 250,000 displaced families are facing winter cold and floods in dilapidated tents that do not provide even minimal protection.

Featured image via AlJazeera