CAIRO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) said Sunday it has dispatched a large shipment of winter relief supplies to the rain-hit Gaza Strip, including more than 106,000 blankets, nearly 40,000 pieces of winter clothing, over 1,350 mattresses and about 4,450 tents.
The winter items were sent "in an urgent response to the suffering caused by the recent wave of rain in Gaza," the ERC said in a statement.
The winter-focused shipment was part of a new humanitarian convoy carrying about 9,300 tonnes of urgent supplies, including more than 5,500 tonnes of food baskets and flour, around 2,400 tonnes of medical and relief materials, and about 1,400 tonnes of petroleum products urgently needed in the enclave, it said.
It is the 73rd convoy sent from Egypt since the ERC launched its pro-Gaza humanitarian aid initiative in late July.
The organization added that it has delivered more than half a million tonnes of humanitarian and relief materials to Gaza since the beginning of the two-year conflict, through the efforts of about 35,000 volunteers.
Recent heavy rains have hit communities across the Gaza Strip, damaging personal belongings and heightening health and protection concerns. Many temporary shelters made from thin tarpaulins collapsed under the downpours, leaving families exposed to cold, damp conditions and muddy ground.
Flooded roads, debris, and collapsed small bridges have hindered emergency and relief efforts, making access to affected areas extremely difficult. ■
