BEIRUT, November 7. /TASS/. Civil defense teams are evacuating residents of refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, where heavy rains have flooded over 70,000 tents, a spokesperson for the enclave’s authorities told the Maan news agency.
"Dozens of displaced people in flooded areas need emergency assistance," the official said, adding: "Over the past 12 hours, the already dire humanitarian situation has deteriorated further due to heavy rains and strong winds."
According to the official, soil erosion and flooding have caused temporary structures to collapse in some areas, resulting in casualties. Meanwhile, evacuation efforts are being hampered by a lack of rescue equipment.
According to Maan, adverse weather conditions have caused $3 million in damage to infrastructure at temporary camps across Gaza. The authorities are reporting severe shortages of winterized tents, waterproof flooring, winter clothing and heaters.