occupied Palestinian territory: Floods - Nov 2025

Heavy rain on 14 November caused severe flooding across Gaza, especially in Gaza city and northern Gaza, affecting over 13,000 families. The rain also further damaged drainage systems, destroyed thousands of tents, and disrupted humanitarian activities. (OCHA, 17 Nov 2025)

Following more rains and subsequent flooding in Gaza on 25 November, the Site Management Cluster carried out rapid assessments in Designated Emergency Shelters (DESs) across the Gaza Strip. The assessments revealed that 32 DESs were affected: one in North Gaza, four in Gaza city, seven in Deir al Balah, and 20 in Khan Younis. In total, more than 3,000 people were affected: 25 in northern Gaza, 205 in Gaza city, 1,333 in Deir al Balah, and 1,438 in Khan Younis. (OCHA, 28 Nov 2025)

The SMC (Site Management Cluster) estimates that the weather events affected more than 740,000 people across 715 displacement sites, including 384 located in high flood-risk areas. Of the affected sites, 130 were in northern Gaza, 264 in Deir Al Balah, 308 in Khan Younis, and 13 in Rafah. (IOM, NORCAP, NRC, Shelter Cluster, 12 Dec 2025)

Media reports indicate that by 16 December, the cold weather had resulted in 14 fatalities and multiple injuries. Additionally, over 27,000 tents were either submerged by floods, carried away by surging waters, or torn apart by strong winds. (ECHO, 16 Dec 2025)

On 16 December, Site Management Cluster (SMC) partners reported 132 flood-related incidents, with 91 occurring in Khan Younis, 30 in Deir al Balah, six in Gaza city, and five North Gaza governorate. Flooding has caused widespread destruction of shelters, leaving thousands exposed to harsh winter conditions and at risk of further displacement. Particularly concerning are 22 sites sheltering over 4,000 people from 821 families, where flooding has been so severe that these families no longer have any shelter. (OCHA, 17 Dec 2025)

The recent rainstorm since 26 December has triggered flash flooding, particularly affecting people living in low-lying areas, coastal zones, and those sheltering in substandard structures and tents. Seawater has once again inundated tents housing displaced families, including in the Al Mawasi area of Khan Younis, rendering many shelters uninhabitable. (OCHA, 31 Dec 2025)