Gaza Herald — Gaza’s Civil Defense said Saturday that it had received 2,166 emergency calls since heavy rainfall began sweeping across the territory, but its rescue teams were able to respond to only 218 requests, exposing the scale of the humanitarian emergency facing displaced Palestinians as winter approaches.
According to the agency, the distress calls came from residents, displacement camp administrators, shelter centers, and families whose tents and homes were flooded by torrential rain.
Civil Defense officials said the overwhelming number of emergencies, combined with severe shortages of rescue vehicles, water pumps, and specialized equipment, prevented teams from reaching most affected areas.
Of the 2,166 requests received, only about 10% received a response, leaving 1,948 calls unanswered or without a direct emergency response.
The agency warned that the first major storm of the season had already exposed the dangerous conditions facing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in fragile tents, damaged buildings, and overcrowded displacement shelters.
Floodwaters Reach 1.5 Meters as Displacement Camps Submerge
Gaza’s Civil Defense declared its highest state of emergency on Friday as heavy rainfall flooded dozens of displacement camps, shelter centers, and residential neighborhoods.
In some locations, floodwaters reportedly reached approximately 1.5 meters (nearly five feet), creating dangerous conditions for families trapped in tents and damaged buildings.
The agency said rescue crews worked alongside municipal authorities and other emergency responders to assist affected residents.
However, the scale of the flooding far exceeded their available resources.
Unable to physically reach every location, Civil Defense teams were forced in some cases to provide safety instructions to families facing rising water rather than conduct direct rescue operations.
The agency warned that the situation reflects the severe deterioration of Gaza’s emergency response capacity following extensive destruction of infrastructure and shortages of essential equipment.
Rescue Teams Struggle Without Machinery, Fuel, and Water Pumps
Civil Defense officials said the lack of specialized rescue machinery and vehicles has severely restricted their ability to evacuate endangered residents, drain flooded areas, and respond to emergencies.
The agency renewed its appeal for Israel to allow the entry of essential rescue equipment, including vehicles, heavy machinery, and water pumps.
It also called for the urgent delivery of fuel to keep emergency vehicles and equipment operating as further storms threaten the territory.
Without adequate machinery and fuel, the agency warned, rescue teams could face even greater difficulties responding to future flooding emergencies.
The destruction of roads, drainage systems, and other essential infrastructure has further complicated efforts to reach affected communities and remove accumulated rainwater.
Displaced Families Enter Winter Without Adequate Shelter
The flooding has intensified the suffering of Palestinian families who remain displaced after widespread destruction of residential neighborhoods across Gaza.
Many continue to live in worn-out tents that provide little protection against heavy rain, strong winds, and falling temperatures.
Civil Defense officials called for the immediate entry of replacement tents, waterproof plastic sheeting, and prefabricated housing units to provide safer accommodation for displaced families.
The agency warned that entering the winter season without adequate shelter supplies could expose vulnerable residents to additional flooding, cold-related health risks, and further displacement.
It stressed that the first major storm had already demonstrated the urgent need for preparations before successive weather systems place further pressure on displacement camps and emergency services.
Civil Defense Appeals for Urgent International Intervention
Gaza’s Civil Defense appealed to the countries guaranteeing the ceasefire agreement and the National Committee for the Management of the Gaza Strip to intervene immediately.
The agency urged them to facilitate the entry of rescue vehicles, heavy machinery, fuel, tents, waterproof coverings, and temporary housing units.
It warned that continued restrictions on essential supplies could leave emergency responders unable to protect families from worsening winter conditions.
With thousands of Palestinians sheltering in flood-prone camps and damaged buildings, Civil Defense officials stressed that urgent action is needed to prevent further suffering and potential loss of life.
The agency’s figures underscore the scale of the emergency: 2,166 calls for help, just 218 responses, and nearly 2,000 requests beyond the reach of overstretched rescue teams.
As winter approaches, Gaza’s displaced families face the growing threat of further storms without the shelter, infrastructure, or emergency services needed to protect them.
