Heavy rains and strong winds, Gaza Strip calls for help before the arrival of the low pressure system

Arab Weather - According to the latest weather data in "Arab Weather", it is expected that the eastern Mediterranean basin region will be affected by a low pressure system accompanied by a very cold air mass of polar origin on Wednesday and Thursday.

The impact of the low pressure system includes all the countries of the Levant, including the Gaza Strip in the Palestinian countries, as it is expected that strong winds will blow over the Gaza Strip with the arrival of the low pressure system, causing waves to rise to approximately 5 meters on the coasts of the Strip, in addition to a drop in temperatures and heavy rainfall in different areas of the Strip.

Under the current tragic circumstances in the Gaza Strip, heavy rains could significantly worsen the humanitarian situation, including:

• The displacement crisis is worsening: Many people are living in tents or makeshift shelters that are not waterproof, which increases their suffering due to water leakage and the submergence of their belongings.

• Deteriorating infrastructure: Gaza's infrastructure is severely weakened by the blockade, leaving roads, sewage networks, electricity and water supplies vulnerable to collapse or damage from rain.

• Floods and landslides: Poor drainage can lead to flooding, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, especially with a lack of clean water.

• Increased health risks: The spread of diseases due to stagnant water, lack of medical services, and difficulty in accessing humanitarian aid are all factors that make the health situation more fragile.

• Difficulty accessing aid: Floods may hinder the movement of relief convoys and humanitarian aid, making it more difficult to distribute food, water and medicine.

In light of the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, dealing with heavy rains and cold weather requires urgent and sustainable solutions, which we mention as follows:

Improving temporary shelter:

• Distribution of waterproof plastic sheets to cover tents and temporary shelters.
• Provide winter blankets, moisture-proof mattresses, and warm clothing.
• Reinforce tents with additional supports to prevent them from collapsing due to wind and rain.

Water drainage management:

• Digging temporary drainage channels around camps to reduce water accumulation.
• Use sandbags to prevent water from flowing into shelters.

Fast health support:

• Providing mobile clinics to combat diseases resulting from cold.
• Distribution of personal hygiene tools and disinfection supplies to prevent the spread of diseases.

Providing safe heating sources:

• Distributing heaters that operate on safe fuel, with instructions for safe use to avoid suffocation or fire accidents.
• Provide coal or firewood if other heating methods are not available, taking into account good ventilation.