GAZA, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- A severe storm in Gaza Strip has left 12 Palestinians dead, including two children, and caused widespread destruction to homes and shelters for displaced families, the Government Media Office said Friday.
In a press statement, the office confirmed that the victims included those killed and others still missing following the collapse of already-damaged buildings.
It added that at least 13 homes were destroyed, most recently in the Al-Karama and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods of Gaza City.
Civil defense teams continue to respond to hundreds of distress calls amid the harsh weather.
The storm also damaged and swept away more than 27,000 tents housing displaced Palestinians, with over a quarter of a million people directly affected by flooding, torrential rains, and landslides.
The office urged the United Nations, international organizations, mediators, and donor countries to take urgent action to pressure Israel occupation to open Gazaآ’s crossings to allow the entry of shelter materials, emergency supplies, and equipment needed by rescue teams.
It also called for practical measures to prevent expected flooding and landslides in the coming hours.
The civil defense units and municipalities lack the equipment needed to drain floodwaters, as most of their machinery has been destroyed during the ongoing Israeli aggression. (end) wab.ao