As Gaza floods subside, Palestinians assess human and material damage

What the report says

Flooding across Gaza is easing after the first major winter storm of the season, but Palestinians in Deir el-Balah and other areas are now taking stock of heavy human and material losses. Al Jazeera reported that rain and flooding affected displacement camps and war-damaged neighborhoods, with UNICEF cited as saying 106,000 people were directly impacted and the UN humanitarian office saying more than 26,000 households reported damage to shelters or belongings by November 8.

The most severe single incident described in the report was a sandbank collapse at Ard al-Ribat camp in Deir el-Balah on Sunday evening, when rain-soaked ground gave way over displacement tents. According to the article, the collapse killed four people, including three children, and left residents digging through sand by hand in the dark to reach those trapped. Survivors told Al Jazeera that nearby families tried to rescue victims without excavators or ambulances, using basic tools and mobile phone flashlights.

Among those killed were a mother and her two young children from the al-Nabhan family, as well as a four-year-old girl from the al-Zein family. The report said the girl’s mother and brother were in intensive care. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of families living in tents and makeshift shelters, especially amid damaged drainage systems, poor road access and shortages of emergency equipment.

Gaza’s Government Media Office blamed Israel, the United States administration and the international community for blocking shelter materials and repair supplies. Aid groups have also urged the entry of temporary shelters, drainage equipment and other goods to reduce the risk of further deaths as winter progresses.