The rainstorm “Byron” is expected to hit the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, bringing with it heavy rain, gale-force winds, flooding and suffering, the Government Media Office (GMO) in Gaza said on Tuesday.
According to the Palestinian Information Center, GMO has warned that the storm could cause a new humanitarian disaster for hundreds of thousands of displaced people who have been living in makeshift tents and shelters for over a year.
The storm “Byron” has already approached the coast of the occupied Palestinian territories, with forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds beginning Wednesday and continuing through Friday.
GMO has issued warnings of possible flash floods, widespread damage to tents and structures, and different hazards to public safety.
Meteorological estimates indicate heavy rainfall ranging between 100 and 150 millimeters, accompanied by a significant drop in temperatures and strong wind gusts that may reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
“More than one and a half million displaced people, scattered across makeshift displacement areas, face real dangers as their tents and shelters remain vulnerable to flooding, with no solutions or alternative housing available to protect them from the approaching weather front,” GMO alerted.
“The storm is expected to bring floods and torrents due to heavy rainfall, along with strong wind gusts that could dislodge tents, in addition to high sea waves and thunderstorms,” GMO added.
“In the coming hours, harrowing scenes may unfold as families are struggling to survive within tattered tents that offer no protection against rain or wind, amid shameful international silence and the absence of any effective action to protect the displaced or provide them with even the minimum level of help,” GMO said.
