Intense seasonal rains are worsening an already critical humanitarian crisis, as rainstorms lead to the collapse of war-damaged structures, flood tents, and drench personal belongings, according to OCHA.
In response to flood warnings, a coordinated effort involving UN agencies and NGOs is distributing tents, tarpaulins, warm clothing, blankets, and dignity kits throughout Gaza.
The UN and its partners are also deploying heavy machinery to divert overflowing sewage, posing health hazards, away from populated areas. OCHA highlighted increased risks of hypothermia, especially among infants, and illnesses related to sewage flooding.
Additionally, humanitarian teams are aiding hundreds newly displaced from the At Tufah neighborhood in Gaza City, where ongoing military actions have forced many to flee.
Residents who remain or have returned to the As Sanafour area of At Tufah often due to limited options elsewhere, report major difficulties in accessing water, food, and essential services.
Relief operations continue
Other relief activities under the UN-coordinated humanitarian ceasefire plan are ongoing.
From 23 to 26 December, teams focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene distributed tens of thousands of dignity kits, hygiene kits, and shampoo bottles throughout Gaza, reaching around 150,000 people in need, as stated by OCHA.
By Sunday, partners focused on food insecurity had assisted over one million individuals – nearly half of Gaza’s population — through 60 distribution points with December’s general food aid.
Simultaneously, humanitarian partners provided veterinary kits and animal feed to over 2,000 families with livestock between 9 and 26 December, aiding local production and reducing reliance on aid.
Leave a Reply