Gaza, January 20, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Yesterday, Israel opened the floodgates of one of its dams in the eastern part of the Gaza Strip, flooding Palestinian houses and causing severe damage.

Hamas-led government decided to provide the afflicted families with the needed supplies in addition to 200$ US dollars.

Dr. Mohammed Agha, the Minister of Agriculture Ministry of Hamas-led government, said that of the first assessment of Al-Mughraqa losses central Gaza Strip is one million US dollars. The losses varied of agriculture lands planted with vegetables, crops and fruit trees. Also, there is huge destruction of animal farms, agricultural stores and nearly 100 house.

Israeli authorities opened the "Al-Wadi" dam without prior notice after heavy rainfall on the area.
Because Gaza is located in a low-lying area and the elevation decreases on the way to the Mediterranean Sea, water gushed into the area, flooding two Palestinian villages and displacing a hundred Gazan families.

Seventy citizens were rescued by Civil defense staffs. Medical sources said that 9 citizens were injured and transferred to Gaza hospitals.

Yesterday, the minister of Social Affairs Ministry in Gaza, Ahmed Al-Kord, said that they opened Kafer Yasef School for 100 evacuated families. He added that the ministry provided them with the need supplies of food and sheets.