Gaza Rainstorm Floods 70,000 Displacement Tents as Humanitarian Supplies Run Short ISLAM GLOBAL NEWS | PALESTINE & GAZA By Islam Global News Editorial Desk GAZA STRIP | November 8, 2026 Thousands of displaced Palestinian families in Gaza are facing another humanitarian emergency after heavy rainfall flooded their temporary shelters during the first major winter storm of the season. The storm, which swept across the Gaza Strip on November 7, left families struggling to protect their children, bedding, food and remaining possessions from rising rainwater. According to Gaza's Government Media Office, approximately 70,000 displacement tents were flooded within 12 hours of the storm. Reuters and other international media. 1,500 Emergency Calls in Just 10 Hours Gaza's Civil Defence said it received approximately 1,500 distress calls within ten hours after the rainfall began. In several displacement sites, water levels reportedly rose by 30–40 centimetres. Some temporary shelters were completely flooded, forcing families to leave their tents and search for safer places. Videos and photographs from Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah showed families walking through muddy water, attempting to remove water from their shelters and rescuing whatever belongings they could. Mattresses, blankets and clothing were among the items damaged by the flooding. Children, Babies and Elderly People Face Greater Risks The worsening weather presents particular dangers for vulnerable people. Premature babies, young children, elderly residents and people with existing health conditions face increased risks from cold temperatures, damp bedding and exposure to contaminated floodwater. Families already struggling with inadequate shelter now face additional difficulties protecting their children from illness and the approaching asTeams Struggle to Respond Gaza's Civil Defence teams have reported serious difficulties responding to the growing number of emergency calls. Officials have cited shortages of equipment, fuel and essential materials. Reuters reported that municipal and emergency services were struggling because of damaged equipment and shortages affecting water-pumping operations. The storm also caused structural collapses. Two Palestinians were reported injured after a wall collapsed in northern Gaza, while Civil Defence teams evacuated residents from a partially collapsed building in Nuseirat. UN Warns That Relief Supplies Are Insufficient The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on November 7 that displaced families living in flood-prone locations and damaged buildings face immediate risks. OCHA said humanitarian organisations had mobilised emergency assistance, but available supplies remained insufficient. The agency called for urgent entry of winter supplies, heavy machinery, engine oil and spare parts needed to keep humanitarian vehicles and generators operating. The warning highlights the importance of delivering shelter materials before further storms affect displacement camps. Gaza Needs Around 200,000 Tents Gaza's Emergency Committee has said that more than one million displaced people face serious risks during the winter. The territory urgently needs approximately 200,000 tents and additional heating supplies, according to the committee's assessment reported by Al Jazeera. Humanitarian organisations have also raised concerns about the entry of shelter materials and the difficulties of delivering assistance to families. The immediate priority is to provide weather-resistant tents, waterproof coverings, blankets, warm clothing, drainage support and safe temporary accommodation. Why This Matters For displaced families in Gaza, winter rain is not simply a weather problem. Many people have already lost their homes and are living in temporary shelters that cannot withstand heavy rainfall, strong winds or flooding. Without adequate shelter and sanitation, every new storm can create further health and safety risks. Humanitarian assistance must reach families before the next period of severe weather, particularly those living in low-lying areas and along the coastline. Islam Global News will continue monitoring humanitarian developments in Gaza, including winter shelter assistance, emergency relief deliveries and the protection of
1,500 distress calls are attributed to Gaza Civil Defence. OCHA's warning about insufficient supplies is separately attributed to the UN humanitarian agency. These figures have not been independently verified by Islam Global News.
