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Rabat – The already vulnerable situation in Gaza is now compounded by the onset of heavy rains, posing a significant threat to the makeshift shelters that have become a lifeline for those displaced by the recent Israeli bombardment.
As Palestinians grapple with displacement and struggle to find adequate shelter, fears mount over the possible overflow of the enclave’s sewage system, which could trigger a dangerous spread of diseases.
In the densely populated enclave, makeshift tents that became temporary homes for Palestinians are now facing the challenge of rain-soaked conditions, amplifying fears of disease spread and overwhelming the fragile sewage system.
Last week, the WHO highlighted the heightened risk of disease spread in Gaza, attributing it to the disruption of the health system caused by Israeli air bombardments. The lack of access to clean water and the influx of people into overcrowded shelters further exacerbate the challenges faced by the population.
The organization voiced particular concern about the potential flooding caused by rain, which could overwhelm already damaged sewage facilities.
Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the WHO, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that “the rain will only add to the suffering” of Gaza’s residents.
With infrastructural damage, a shortage of clean water, and severe overcrowding, urgent calls for a ceasefire have been amplified to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Read also: Premature Babies Fight Death Amid Siege on Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza
Displaced individuals at a U.N. shelter in Khan Younis, Southern Gaza, woke up to the disheartening sight of their clothes soaked by the relentless rain, underlining the immediate impact of the weather on the already precarious living conditions.
Reports of disrupted sewage pumping and water shortages have led to an alarming surge in waterborne diseases and bacterial infections, with over 33,500 cases of diarrhea reported by the WHO since mid-October – a rate approximately 16 times the monthly average.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facilities, accommodating more than 580,000 displaced individuals in the south of Gaza, are operating at nine times their capacity, posing additional health risks due to overcrowding.
Dr. Harris pleaded for an urgent ceasefire, emphasizing the critical need to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and provide immediate relief to the displaced population.
