Storm Byron Exacerbates Flood Risk for 795,000 Displaced Palestinians in Gaza

Gaza city: Storm Byron, a severe weather system, has made landfall in Gaza, bringing with it heavy rainfall that poses a significant flood risk to nearly 795,000 displaced Palestinians. The storm previously triggered flooding in Greece and Cyprus before reaching Gaza, where it has already inundated several displacement sites. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the heavy rain is affecting hundreds of displacement sites. These areas, already vulnerable due to inadequate infrastructure, are now at risk of becoming dangerous. Although a ceasefire has been in effect since October 10, the displaced population continues to reside in overcrowded conditions with minimal protection against the rising water levels. The IOM has dispatched over one million shelter items to partners in Gaza, such as waterproof tents, thermal blankets, sleeping mats, and tarpaulins. However, these supplies are insufficient against flooding. Many di splacement sites are located on low, debris-filled lands lacking proper drainage and waste management, elevating the risk of disease outbreaks and public health hazards as flooding spreads. Amy Pope, IOM Director General, emphasized the prolonged hardships faced by people in Gaza. She noted that after the storm made landfall, families are struggling to protect their children with limited resources. She stressed the need for immediate and unrestricted access to deliver tools and supplies to those striving to maintain their lives under these challenging conditions. IOM highlighted the delay of essential materials such as basic tool kits, sandbags, water pumps, timber, and plywood due to longstanding access restrictions, including limitations on construction supplies' entry into Gaza. These materials are crucial for repairing and reinforcing shelters to withstand continued rainfall and mitigate flooding in displacement sites. Haitham Aqel, Emergency and Relief Team Leader for the Palestinian Housing Council, a partner organization to IOM, described the situation as dire. He noted that nearly half of the Gaza Strip is affected by the flooding, with infrastructure already devastated. Makeshift drainage with sandbags proved insufficient, with many people's bedding and mattresses damaged as water entered worn-out tents. The IOM's Needs and Population Monitoring (NPM) programme, collaborating with site management partners on the ground, identified over 140,000 people affected by earlier rains that flooded 219 active displacement sites. The IOM continues to support crucial interventions to reduce risks in overcrowded areas, improve layouts and drainage, and help families access essential services. Aqel further emphasized the overwhelming needs, as efforts are underway in over 120 displacement sites across Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir Al Balah. He stressed the urgent requirement for heavy machinery to remove rubble and additional shelter items, underscoring the necessity for recovery efforts to commence for Gaza's rebuilding process.