Cyclone ‘Byron’ in Gaza: At Least 14 Dead, Displaced People in Dire Conditions

International Desk, PNN

Cyclone Byron has killed at least 14 people and injured many others in the Gaza Strip. Strong winds, continuous rain, and collapsing damaged structures have claimed the lives of people already displaced by Israel’s prolonged attacks. The Gaza Ministry of Interior and National Security reported the figures.

According to the ministry, five people were killed early Friday morning when a shelter for displaced people collapsed in Bir al-Naja, northern Gaza. In Gaza City’s Remal area, a wall collapsed on a temporary tent, killing two more. A building collapsed in Shati refugee camp the previous day, killing one, and a newborn died in Al-Mawasi due to severe cold.

Doctors report that winter weather and exposure are increasing fatalities in Gaza hospitals. Al-Shifa Hospital sources said nine-year-old Hadil Al-Masri died in a shelter in western Gaza City. In Shati camp, child Taim Al-Khawaja died, and in Khan Yunis, eight-month-old Rahaf Abu Jazar drowned in rainwater.

Families of the deceased explained that their homes were previously destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, forcing them to take refuge in roofless damaged buildings. Heavy rains collapsed tents and shelters, exposing children to deadly cold.

Al Jazeera reporters in Gaza note that temporary shelters have become death traps, with around 850,000 people at risk, many children staying in 761 shelters. Coastal areas have become especially dangerous due to flooding.

Over the past 24 hours, at least ten buildings collapsed, and more may fall. Limited access to winter supplies and tents forces many to stay inside dangerous structures. Civil defense teams reported rescuing two children alive from rubble in Bir al-Naja, but others remain trapped. Emergency calls exceeded 4,300 since the storm began, and at least 12 bomb-damaged buildings collapsed.

Despite lacking heavy equipment and fuel, police and rescue teams continue operations. Gaza’s Ministry of Interior has urged the international community to pressure Israel to allow entry of emergency aid and shelters. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said these storm-related deaths reflect the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention.