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occupied Palestinian territory: Floods - Jan 2013

Disaster description

A winter storm, among the strongest recorded in recent decades, struck the occupied Palestinian territory between 7-10 Jan 2013. It was characterized by strong winds, heavy rains, low temperatures and snowfall. Combined with the pre-existing precarious sewage and drainage infrastructure in many areas, the heavy rains resulted in unprecedented floods. Approximately 12,500 people in about 190 communities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were directly affected by the storm. About 650 people were temporarily displaced. Flooding and strong winds damaged and destroyed housing and agricultural infrastructure and assets (including greenhouses, animal sheds, livestock and field crops). Additionally, the extreme weather also resulted in prolonged electricity cuts, interruption of access to services due to the flooding of roads, and the suspension of school classes. (OCHA, 16 Jan 2013)

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