As rain season approaches, displaced communities in Gaza are facing yet another crisis, with the threat of severe flooding looming over an already dire humanitarian situation. A permanent, immediate ceasefire is needed to provide communities with full, unrestricted aid ahead of these difficult winter months in a disaster zone.
Following months of dry weather, the first rainfall on Monday caused the flooding of tents, signalling the start of what could become a horrific flood season for hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Humanitarian organisations are working urgently to prepare communities for the coming months of unpredictable weather and displacements amidst Israeli strikes.
Gaza’s people are already struggling with limited access to clean water due to ongoing Israeli restrictions. These restrictions on water and essential supplies are classified as a violation of international law and a war crime under the Fourth Geneva Convention.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact that flooding will have on displaced families living in makeshift tents with no adequate drainage or sanitation.”
“The added burden of water restrictions in Gaza only exacerbates the situation, leaving families without access to safe drinking water and sanitation at a time when they need it most. Let’s be clear: this is a preventable crisis and a man-made perfect storm.”
— Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland CEO
Flooding is expected to dramatically increase the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and skin infections. These diseases are already a serious concern due to the severe water shortages and lack of hygiene products. Overflowing sewage, stagnant water, and waste dumps are a breeding ground for these diseases, thereby placing even more pressure on Gaza’s destroyed healthcare system.
“There is a serious risk of widespread outbreaks.”
“With clean water and basic hygiene items like soap and detergent in short supply due to Israeli authorities blocking the delivery of aid, families are unable to protect themselves from preventable diseases. Medics cannot maintain hygiene standards, and this will only worsen with the coming downpours.”
— Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland CEO
The shelter situation in Gaza remains dire. Over 1.1 million people require sealing-off kits to protect their homes from flooding. Most people displaced by Israel’s bombing campaign are living in makeshift shelters constructed from deteriorating plastic sheeting. None offer protection against the coming rains. In August, only two truckloads of shelter materials per week entered southern Gaza. At least 25 truckloads per week are required to provide basic protection before heavier rainfall arrives in November.
Reports from inter-agency coordination mechanism, The Shelter Cluster, reports a gap of 760,000 people who will not receive any form of aid this winter, leaving many without the necessary tools to protect themselves and their families.
“Without sufficient supplies coming into Gaza, displaced people are facing an even more dangerous crisis in the middle of an already horrific situation.”
“The restrictions on the entry of shelter materials are putting lives at risk, and we must act now to ensure people have the tools they need before the situation deteriorates even further. An immediate ceasefire is critical.”
— Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland CEO
ENDS.
Oxfam Ireland CEO, Jim Clarken, is available for comment on the situation.
The Shelter Cluster has reported that 1.13 million people need sealing-off kits for makeshift shelters or tents and 1.34 million people need bedding kits.
On 13 September, the Global Health and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Clusters published a report on the lack of access to soap, shampoo, and detergent, vital hygiene products to combat diarrhoea and skin infections in Gaza.
Ongoing constraints by the Israeli authorities on the entry of essential supplies are particularly harmful for children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems and are increasing stress and anxiety in overcrowded shelters.
Clusters emphasised that handwashing with soap is crucial for preventing diseases and can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by up to 40 per cent and respiratory infections by about 20 per cent. However, soap is either unavailable or sold at unaffordable prices.
The significant increase in firewood prices is pushing more people into energy poverty, coupled with the limited availability of gas and the ongoing electricity cut off.
Due to the access constraints that allow a rate of about four trucks of Shelter and NFIs entering Gaza per week in August, the Cluster is prioritizing the entry of sealing-off kits over tents into Gaza, as more of these can be transported on a single truck. However, this is the bare minimum and cannot be considered a meaningful response.
On 12 September, the SMWG finalized a preliminary analysis aimed at mapping sites which may face flooding during the approaching winter season.
A total of 38 makeshift and 13 scattered sites are deemed likely to experience flooding with varying degrees of intensity.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact that flooding will have on displaced families living in makeshift tents with no adequate drainage or sanitation.”
