Heavy rains add to suffering of displaced Gazans in makeshift camps | DW News

Key Concepts

• Makeshift Accommodations: Temporary shelters like tents and shanty towns used by displaced individuals.
• Displacement: The forced movement of people from their homes due to conflict or destruction.
• Flooding: Inundation of areas by water, exacerbated by poor drainage and heavy rainfall.
• Aid Inadequacy: Insufficient supply of essential goods and materials to meet the needs of the affected population.
• Commercial Supplies: Goods entering Gaza through commercial channels, often prioritized for non-essentials.
• Humanitarian Crisis: A severe situation where basic human needs are unmet, requiring urgent assistance.

Gaza: Autumn Rains and Winter Hardships

The transcript details the severe impact of heavy autumn rains on displaced Palestinians in Gaza, exacerbating already dire living conditions. More than a million people are estimated to be living in makeshift accommodations, such as tents and shanty towns, which offer little protection against the elements. The first significant winter rains have led to widespread flooding in these low-lying areas, as the paved ground prevents proper drainage. Residents describe water pouring into their shelters, soaking bedding, clothes, and belongings, forcing them to stand for hours to avoid drowning. Many are facing their third consecutive winter in these temporary shelters with no immediate prospect of returning to their destroyed homes.

Impact on Damaged Homes and Infrastructure

Even those who have managed to remain in their own homes are not spared. Some houses are on the verge of collapse, deemed unsafe by engineers, yet residents have no alternative shelter. The lack of functioning sewage systems further contributes to the unsanitary conditions, with water flooding homes. The United Nations estimates that 90% of homes in Gaza were damaged or destroyed during the war, leading to the displacement of almost the entire population.

INAR Gaza Program Coordinator's Testimony

Yusra Abu Sharek, Gaza Program Coordinator with INAR (International Network for Aid Relief and Assistance), provides further insight into the severity of the situation. She describes the unexpected intensity of the rainfall that began the previous day, causing devastating flooding for families in tents. Abu Sharek witnessed families carrying wet mattresses and belongings to find alternative shelter. She highlights the desperation of people in Gaza, particularly in the north, as they enter their third winter without adequate sheltering materials or warm clothing for children.

Challenges in Accessing Essential Supplies

Abu Sharek emphasizes that Gaza is unprepared for such heavy rainfall. Despite a ceasefire, access to food and medicine remains a struggle. While commercial supplies are permitted, the focus is on non-essentials, with vital items like fresh produce and medicines not being prioritized. The daily entry of aid trucks is insufficient, with only 100-150 trucks arriving daily, while the estimated need is between 600 and 2,000 trucks per day to meet basic requirements.

Exacerbation of Needs by Winter Conditions

The winter season and the rain make accessing essential needs even more difficult. Families lack the means to cook, and during heavy rain, they are confined to their tents for hours, unable to prepare food for their children. The situation is equally dire for those living in partially or completely damaged houses. Abu Sharek recounts seeing a family sheltering under the rubble of a mosque or a destroyed house, underscoring the extreme vulnerability of the population during winter.

Conclusion

The transcript paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where displaced populations are facing extreme hardship due to heavy rains and the onset of winter. The lack of adequate shelter, insufficient aid, and damaged infrastructure create a desperate situation, with residents struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The ongoing conflict and its aftermath have left a significant portion of the population vulnerable and unprepared for the harsh winter conditions.