Organization for Migration: The people of Gaza face the threat of floods as winter approaches

Geneva - Ofoq News - The United Nations International Organization for Migration said that almost all the people of the Gaza Strip need tents or assistance in providing shelter before the arrival of winter, as the El Nino weather phenomenon is expected to bring heavy rains, at a time when supplies are still scarce due to Israeli restrictions.

The organization added in a statement yesterday evening, Friday, that the El Niño phenomenon, which may be the strongest ever according to the United Nations Meteorological Agency, may further weaken unsafe buildings and cause torrential rains that may worsen in light of the severely damaged drainage systems in the Strip.

Amy Pope, Director-General of the organization, said that nearly two million people inside the war-ravaged Gaza Strip need assistance, but only about 17 percent of winter shelter needs have been met by relief agencies.

She continued, "Families who have already suffered repeated displacement and devastating losses must be able to face the winter in safety and dignity."

She added that the restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities make it difficult for agencies to expand the scope of their responses.

The International Organization for Migration said that the Israeli authorities did not allow the entry of about 8,600 sets of emergency shelter supplies, which consist of wood, tarpaulins and some basic materials, into the Gaza Strip, as they classified them as dual-use materials.