SAFA — More than 900,000 Palestinians in Khan Younis face the threat of severe flooding as winter storms approach the Gaza Strip, with municipal authorities warning that widespread infrastructure destruction and Israeli restrictions on essential emergency equipment have left the southern city dangerously unprepared for heavy rainfall.
Khan Younis Mayor Ala al-Din al-Batta sounded the alarm during a press conference held by the municipality's emergency committee, warning that hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift tents could face devastating conditions as winter approaches.
Al-Batta said Khan Younis currently shelters nearly 40% of Gaza's population following successive waves of forced displacement, particularly from Rafah.
Many displaced families have sought refuge in low-lying areas in the western part of the city, where overcrowded tent encampments offer little protection against heavy rain, strong winds, and rising floodwaters.
The mayor warned that the combination of widespread destruction, inadequate drainage systems, and severe shortages of emergency equipment could turn seasonal rainfall into a major humanitarian disaster.
More Than 85% of Infrastructure Damaged or Destroyed
According to municipal authorities, Israeli military operations have damaged or destroyed more than 85% of Khan Younis's roads, public utility networks, and stormwater drainage infrastructure.
The destruction has severely weakened the city's ability to absorb and drain rainwater, increasing the risk of flooding in residential neighborhoods and displacement camps.
Municipal officials warned that damaged sewage networks could further aggravate the crisis, allowing wastewater to mix with floodwaters and exposing displaced families to additional health hazards.
Emergency operations are also constrained by Israeli military restrictions in areas east of the so-called Yellow Line, where Israeli forces maintain control over sections of the city.
These restrictions have limited municipal crews' access to damaged infrastructure and complicated efforts to clear drainage channels and carry out emergency repairs before winter storms arrive.
17 Million Tons of Rubble Obstruct Roads and Drainage Systems
Al-Batta said approximately 17 million tons of rubble remain scattered across Khan Younis Governorate, obstructing roads, blocking drainage channels, and preventing municipal crews from reaching areas at risk of flooding.
He explained that much of the municipality's heavy machinery and engineering equipment was destroyed during Israeli military operations, while the surviving vehicles are largely outdated and in urgent need of maintenance.
Some of the remaining machinery has been in service for more than 20 years, making it increasingly difficult to carry out emergency operations under the current conditions.
Shortages of fuel, engine oil, and spare parts have further restricted the municipality's ability to operate its remaining equipment.
The mayor warned that without functioning excavators, water pumps, and maintenance vehicles, municipal teams would struggle to clear debris, reopen drainage routes, or remove accumulated floodwater from densely populated areas.
Israeli Restrictions Prevent Entry of Emergency Pumps and Machinery
Municipal authorities said urgently needed equipment, including high-capacity water pumps, heavy excavators, and emergency generators, remains unable to enter Gaza because of Israeli restrictions.
Some of the equipment has reportedly been awaiting entry for more than a year, despite repeated appeals from local authorities and humanitarian organizations.
Officials stressed that the machinery is essential for clearing rubble, repairing drainage networks, pumping floodwater, and protecting displacement camps from severe weather.
The municipality warned that continued restrictions on the entry of fuel, spare parts, and engineering equipment could leave emergency teams unable to respond effectively when heavy rainfall begins.
Winter Storms Threaten Displacement Camps With Flooding and Sewage
Khan Younis municipal spokesperson Saeb Laqan warned that an approaching low-pressure weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, increasing the danger facing displaced families.
Laqan said municipal crews lack the equipment and resources needed to prepare adequately for the expected weather conditions.
Authorities fear that intense rainfall could inundate low-lying neighborhoods and tent encampments, leaving families surrounded by floodwater contaminated with sewage.
The risk is particularly severe for displaced Palestinians living in overcrowded shelters without proper foundations, drainage systems, or protection from the cold.
Municipal officials warned that flooding could damage or destroy tents, soak mattresses and blankets, and force already displaced families to seek shelter once again.
Municipality Calls for Immediate International Intervention
The Khan Younis municipality appealed to international humanitarian organizations and relevant authorities to intervene urgently and secure the entry of essential emergency equipment.
Officials called for unrestricted access to heavy engineering machinery, high-capacity water pumps, generators, fuel, engine oils, and spare parts to enable municipal crews to prepare for the winter season.
They also urged immediate support for clearing rubble, repairing drainage systems, and protecting displacement camps in areas most vulnerable to flooding.
The municipality warned that without urgent intervention, the combination of destroyed infrastructure, overcrowded displacement camps, and restrictions on emergency supplies could turn the approaching winter storms into another humanitarian catastrophe for Palestinians in southern Gaza.
Source : Safa News
