Deadly floods in Gaza

On Saturday 7th November, we witnessed the beginning of the fourth winter since the genocide began in Gaza. Torrential rain and storm winds began, and the UN confirms 940,000 currently live in high-risk areas prone to extreme flooding. Across displacement camps, shelters and tents are unable to protect families, whilst the camp’s temporary health facilities have been damaged.  

Doctors of the World staff are safe and remaining operational despite the damage our clinic has faced. As the humanitarian blockade continues, the need for emergency shelters and aid is critical. 

Extreme weather heavily impacts access to healthcare 

After years of conflict at the hands of the Israeli military, thousands have been forced to flee their homes and live in displacement camps and temporary safe zones. These have neither the infrastructure nor the access to humanitarian aid to withstand such a weather disaster.  

Roads are impassable and access to local clinics becomes near impossible. Tents are unable to withstand the flooding as water seeps in. Low temperatures mean getting warm and dry far more difficult, and the risk of hypothermia and pneumonia is escalating. And with ongoing power outages stopping water removal and sewer irrigation services, and dangerously low levels of sanitation, the spread of preventable diseases is rapid. 

Amid this flooding, humanitarian aid remains blocked at Gaza’s border. 150,000 tents are being held, awaiting approval by the Israeli authorities. Thousands will endure extreme flooding like this without adequate shelter, sufficient clothing, food or medical aid. 

Doctors of the World operations

Our teams are present and working. Field staff have conducted rapid needs assessments, and priorities are to remove vast quantities of accumulated water impacting services, reinforce tents, protect health equipment, create drainage systems and enable travel to and from their facilities to continue. The maintenance of daily consultations is essential, to ensure the continuity of care for the populations who need it most. 

As winter approaches, we must strengthen and protect our health structures to continue to treat the population in these extremely difficult conditions.