Gaza City – A governmental assessment in Gaza has revealed the devastating impact of the recent storm, dubbed ‘Byron,’ on the already vulnerable population. The storm exacerbated the dire conditions faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs), leaving a quarter of a million people in need of urgent assistance.
Ismail al-Thawabta, Director of the Government Media Office, stated in a press conference that the storm compounded the existing humanitarian crisis, resulting in initial losses estimated at $4 million. The ongoing conflict and blockade have severely hampered recovery efforts.
“Over 1.5 million displaced individuals are currently residing in shelters and makeshift camps,” al-Thawabta explained. “The tent sector has been particularly hard hit, with approximately 53,000 tents suffering partial or complete damage.”
The storm also caused significant infrastructural damage, including the erosion of hundreds of unpaved roads, leading to contamination of clean water sources and raising concerns about the spread of diseases. Several mobile medical points in displacement centers were also affected, resulting in the loss of vital medications and medical supplies.
Al-Thawabta emphasized the ongoing closure of border crossings, preventing the entry of essential humanitarian aid. He held the Israeli occupation directly responsible for the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Reports from hospitals in Gaza indicate that at least 14 individuals, including six children, have died due to the severe cold. Furthermore, over 15 homes have collapsed in various areas of Gaza City as families struggle to protect themselves from the harsh weather conditions with limited resources.
Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of four Palestinians, including two children, following the collapse of a house in the Bir al-Naaja area, north of Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians continue to endure extremely difficult conditions within dilapidated tents across Gaza, as the effects of storm ‘Byron’ persist. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
