A child’s plea “We’re drowning, oh God. Where are the people? Where is the Ummah?” has drawn global attention after a severe winter storm flooded displacement camps across the Gaza Strip, leaving families struggling to stay safe inside collapsing tents.
Heavy rain and strong winds swept through the area overnight, tearing open tarpaulin roofs and sending water streaming across the floors of makeshift shelters. Many tents were unable to withstand the force of the storm, leaving residents exposed to the elements with limited protection.
Footage shared from the camps shows children soaked in rainwater as adults attempt to scoop floodwater from their shelters using buckets and plastic containers. Aid workers report that the conditions have become “unmanageable” in several locations, with flooding disrupting relief operations and blocking access routes.
Humanitarian groups warn that thousands of displaced civilians remain at heightened risk as temperatures drop, particularly infants, older people, and those with medical needs. They say widespread shortages of dry clothing, heating equipment, and waterproof materials are worsening health concerns in the overcrowded camps.
The storm has intensified the already severe humanitarian strain facing Gaza’s displaced population, who have been living in fragile temporary structures for months. Many residents say they have no alternative shelter and are now attempting to rebuild damaged tents using salvaged materials as weather conditions continue to deteriorate.