Kathmandu— The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the approach of winter and cold rains will worsen an ongoing public health crisis in the embattled Gaza Strip. Recent testing shows a significant deterioration in water quality, with diarrhea cases surging, and the onset of rainy season threatens to exacerbate these issues further.

Water Quality Deterioration

Recent water testing has revealed that microbiological contamination almost tripled from under six percent in January to over 18 percent by August. This deterioration is contributing to a surge in acute diarrhea cases, which have nearly doubled since March, increasing from around 27,000 cases to over 48,000.

Impact of Winter Rains

The WHO’s representative in the Palestinian territories, Reinhilde Van de Weerdt, warned that potential flooding due to winter rains will send sewage and contaminated water into places where people sleep, cook, and care for their loved ones. This could further exacerbate health issues and lead to a public health disaster.

Humanitarian Response

Van de Weerdt called for unimpeded and expedited entry of humanitarian supplies, including materials needed for permanent shelter and sustainable water provision. She also emphasized the urgent need for more laboratory supplies to help confirm disease causes and better respond to outbreaks.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.