Dust Storm Sweeps Across Gaza, Worsening Hardships for Displaced Families in Tents

A powerful sandstorm swept across the Gaza Strip today, spreading dense dust throughout the area, significantly reducing visibility and worsening the suffering of thousands of displaced people living in tents and shelters under already harsh humanitarian conditions.

Strong winds carrying sand caused some tents and makeshift shelters to collapse or be blown away, particularly in coastal and open displacement areas.

Displaced residents reported difficulty breathing as dust infiltrated their tents, further compounding their daily struggles amid a severe lack of resources and protective means.

In response, the General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip urged residents to follow safety precautions to reduce the impact of the dust-laden air mass currently affecting the territory.

Authorities advised people not to leave their homes, shelters, or tents unless absolutely necessary, especially those suffering from respiratory illnesses. Civil Defense also recommended wearing a cloth mask or covering the nose with a damp piece of fabric when going outside, avoiding exposure of the eyes to dust—particularly for individuals with eye allergies—and increasing water and fluid intake after the evening meal during the fasting period and throughout the night.

The Civil Defense further stressed the importance of securely fastening tents and tarpaulins to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds, particularly in displacement areas along the coast and in seaside zones.

By Salma Kaddoumi