UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Aid partners are scaling up operations since severe winter storms ripped hundreds of tents and makeshift shelters from more than 3,000 people in Gaza, UN humanitarians said Thursday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that as of Tuesday, the victims were still affected by the recent severe weather. As of Wednesday, Gaza's health authorities and health partners reported that seven children have died from hypothermia since the winter season began last month.
OCHA also said more than 60 war-damaged inhabited buildings could be at risk of collapse in Gaza City.
"The UN and its partners continue responding to flood alerts by distributing tents, tarpaulins, blankets and warm clothes, as well as nutrition, hygiene and sanitary items across Gaza," OCHA said. "Heavy equipment for debris removal, as well as additional plastic sandbags and tools whose entry into Gaza is restricted, are urgently needed."
The UN Children's Fund reported reaching more than 280,000 people with cash assistance, noting that sustained cash support can help malnourished children access a variety of foods available in the marketplace.
OCHA said the humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, visited the Gaza Power Plant in Nuseirat on Thursday, which has not been operational since the war began in October 2023. There, he heard of plans to restore electricity to hospitals and wastewater sites if materials and fuel can be accessed. ■
