By Abdullahi Lukman
Storm Byron has made landfall in Gaza, bringing heavy rainfall that has flooded multiple displacement sites and placed nearly 795,000 displaced Palestinians at increased risk. Rain is expected to continue, worsening conditions for families living in overcrowded and unsafe shelters.
Flooding has been reported across hundreds of displacement sites, where even limited rainfall can quickly become hazardous due to poor drainage and debris-filled land.
Despite the ceasefire, many displaced people remain in exposed areas with minimal protection from rising water levels.
Since the 10 October ceasefire, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has delivered more than one million shelter items, including waterproof tents, thermal blankets, sleeping mats and tarpaulins.
However, these materials are insufficient to withstand flooding, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and other public health threats.
IOM Director General Amy Pope said families are struggling to protect their children with limited resources and stressed the need for immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver essential tools and supplies.
Critical items such as basic tool kits, sandbags, water pumps and construction materials remain delayed due to access restrictions, limiting efforts to reinforce shelters and reduce flood damage.
Local partners report widespread damage to tents, bedding and personal belongings, particularly in areas already devastated by earlier rains and infrastructure destruction.
According to IOM’s Needs and Population Monitoring programme, more than 140,000 people were affected by earlier flooding across 219 displacement sites.
IOM and its partners continue efforts to improve site safety, drainage and access to essential services, but humanitarian needs remain far greater than current capacity.
