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Destruction of Heavy Machinery, Infrastructure Damage, and Displacement
Exacerbate the Ongoing Crises
Gaza Municipality Faces Winter Storms with Limited Resources

Municipal Media Office

Gaza Municipality is facing the current winter storms with extremely limited resources, amid a severe shortage of heavy machinery required to address rainwater accumulation and sewage overflows, in addition to the unavailability of pipes, cement, and essential materials needed to repair damaged manholes and stormwater drainage networks.

The Municipality stated that the extensive destruction inflicted on the city’s infrastructure particularly stormwater drainage systems has slowed the discharge process and led to the formation of rainwater pools in multiple areas. Moreover, the destruction of wastewater treatment facilities and rainwater pumping stations has brought the pumping network out of service, increasing the likelihood of flooding in low-lying areas.

The Municipality further noted that the unprecedented scale of destruction caused by the ongoing genocide, combined with massive internal displacement, continues to worsen the situation across the city, resulting in flooding in several neighborhoods and displacement shelters, especially those located in low-elevation zones.

Despite these challenges, the Municipality explained that its teams worked during the recent storm to reduce water accumulation and address emerging issues. However, the lack of heavy machinery, materials, and operational resources significantly limits the teams’ ability to respond effectively, further intensifying the crisis.

Gaza Municipality calls on the international community to urgently support its efforts by providing the necessary heavy machinery to reopen roads and strengthen emergency-response capacities, in order to mitigate risks and prevent flooding in streets and displacement shelters during future storms.

To view the list of urgent needs, please refer to the link