First rains soak makeshift Gaza tent camp

The first heavy rainfall of the season sends water cascading through the sprawling al-Mawasi tent camp in the Gaza Strip, as the embattled enclave struggles to cope with flooding and devastated infrastructure from two years of war.

Residents attempt to dig trenches to direct the water from flooding their tents, as rain drips through tears in tarpaulins and makeshift shelters. The first rain of the season pounded down in intermittent bursts, soaking the scant belongings families have managed to save. Strong winds can also topple tents and destroy families’ attempts to gather food and supplies as another bleak winter sets in.

Two weeks ago, Bassil Naggar bought a new tent from the black market for 2,300 NIS ($712.50), because the scorching summer sun had worn his old tent thin. Still, rainwater leaked through his tent.

“I spent all (Friday) pushing water out of my tent,” Naggar says, adding that his neighbors’ tents and belongings were completely wrecked. “Water puddles are inches high, and there is no proper drainage,” he says. Barefoot children splash in puddles as women make tea outside under dark clouds.