Powerful winter storm floods Gaza, leaving 17 dead and destroying over 42 000 tents
A powerful winter storm swept across Gaza over the past seven days, leaving at least 17 people dead and over 42 000 tents destroyed by December 28, 2025.
Flooding in Gaza on December 28, 2025. Credit: WAFA
Heavy rainfall and strong winds struck the Gaza Strip as a Mediterranean low-pressure system crossed the eastern region.
The storm affected about 1.5 million people, killing at least 17 Palestinians, including 4 children, across the region as of December 28. Approximately 90% of the shelters housing displaced people whose homes were destroyed by Israel have been flooded.
At least 17 residential buildings collapsed, and more than 42 000 tents sheltering Palestinian families were destroyed in Gaza within just one week.
Rainfall totals of over 60 mm (2.4 inches) were reported in 48 hours. Even though the rainfall totals were low, the lack of an operational drainage system due to the damage caused by the war led to rapid water accumulation, triggering flash floods. Nighttime temperatures dropped to 8°C (46°F), worsening the impact of flooding and increasing the risk of Hypothermia.
Flooding was reported in the tent shelters of Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and central Gaza. Many tents became waterlogged, with belongings and bedding saturated. Residents used buckets and shovels to remove standing water, while others elevated sleeping areas with debris or wood planks to remain above the flood line.
Clinics reported increasing cases of respiratory infections and skin diseases linked to standing water and poor sanitation. The stagnant floodwater also raised the risk of waterborne diseases due to contamination from broken sewage lines.
The system that brought the rainfall to Gaza originated over the central Mediterranean, moving eastward toward the Levant under a trough of low pressure. Wind gusts reached approximately 70 km/h (44 mph) along the coast.
The Israel Meteorological Service classified the event as a normal winter storm; however, Gaza’s exposure levels are considered extreme because of destroyed infrastructure and overcrowding.
The flooding coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the United States for talks on the ongoing ceasefire framework and post-war arrangements. While diplomatic activity continued abroad, local authorities and aid workers in Gaza faced growing pressure to provide emergency shelter solutions as winter conditions intensified.
BREAKING: Gaza’s displaced families woke up to flooded tents after a night of rain. pic.twitter.com/QVafkIsEAJ
— Gaza Notifications (@gazanotice) December 28, 2025
References:
1 Winter rain floods Gaza camps as Netanyahu heads for US meeting – AP – December 27, 2025
2 Severe weather deepens suffering of displaced families in Gaza – WAFA – December 28, 2025
3 Palestinians suffer flooded tents and debris as cold and rain lash Gaza – Al Jazeera – December 27, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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