---
title: Heavy rains flood 70,000 tents in Gaza, worsening humanitarian crisis
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/heavy-rains-flood-70000-tents-in-gaza-worsening-humanitarian-crisis
published: 2026-11-10T17:49:17+00:00
language: en
section: Persecution
source: https://www.agensir.it/mondo/2026/11/07/striscia-di-gaza-70mila-tende-allagate-dalla-pioggia-parroco-romanelli-una-catastrofe-la-gente-ha-perso-tutto/
organizations: Holy Family Parish, Sisters of Mother Teresa, Cogat, United Nations, Gaza Civil Protection
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Heavy rains flood 70,000 tents in Gaza, worsening humanitarian crisis

Severe rainfall has flooded approximately 70,000 tents housing displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the press office of the Hamas government. This weather event has significantly aggravated the existing humanitarian emergency in the region. The flooding has left thousands of families without adequate shelter and has transformed refugee camps into vast areas of mud. The situation has been described as catastrophic by local clergy who are witnessing the destruction of essential belongings.

Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family parish in Gaza, stated that the situation is truly catastrophic. He noted that a large portion of the population lives in tents and has lost everything. He explained that their belongings are completely soaked. Some families had found temporary shelter in makeshift structures built from sheet metal and tents, but they have also lost all their possessions. Romanelli, who is of Argentine origin, added that even those who had managed to settle in the small remaining parts of their previously bombed and destroyed homes now find their living spaces flooded due to wind and rain.

The heavy rains have washed away the few remaining items in the tents, including food cans, mattresses, blankets, and other essential goods. The water is not only from the rain but also from runoff that is often mixed with sewage and waste. This scenario makes life even more difficult for children, the elderly, and the sick, who are exposed to the cold and worsening hygienic and sanitary conditions. Romanelli emphasized that they are only at the beginning of a harsh winter.

According to the Gaza Civil Protection, more than 1,500 rescue requests have been registered in recent hours due to the heavy rains. The weather is flooding refugee camps and putting at risk buildings already damaged by the war. In various areas of the enclave, dozens of walls have collapsed under the force of the precipitation, causing some injuries. The damages caused by the bad weather and winter conditions are estimated to be around three million dollars so far.

The Holy Family parish is attempting to help those in greatest need, including the sick, the elderly, and children with disabilities who are assisted by the Sisters of Mother Teresa. The parish is also trying to continue school activities, although the general situation remains dramatic. The arrival of a new vicar, Father Luis Montes, who replaced Father Yusuf, has helped to renew hope within the parish. The parish now has three priests again. Father Montes, who entered religious life in 1988 alongside Father Romanelli, has been living and working in the Middle East for thirty years.

Meanwhile, accusations continue to be exchanged between Hamas and Israel regarding the management of aid and materials needed to face the emergency. The Israeli coordination body, Cogat, reported strengthening interventions in the water and health sectors, including the entry of new vacuum trucks into the Strip. The United Nations reported the arrival of fuel, food, medicines, and vaccines, but reiterated that the aid remains insufficient compared to the enormous needs of the population.

## This story in other languages

- [Français](https://www.faithfulnews.com/fr/des-fortes-pluies-inondent-70-000-tentes-dans-la-bande-de-gaza)