Gaza agricultural sector suffered losses worth 8 million dollars due to the winter storm that hit the Strip over the previous four days.
The Gaza Strip has been witnessing for the past four days heavy rains and strong winds that led to the injury of dozens of people, as well as the displacement of hundreds of residents whose homes have been swamped by floodwaters.
Minister of Agriculture Ali Tarchaoui said during a press conference that agricultural sector is the most vital sector and was severely affected by the storm.
For its part, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) said that the losses of Gaza port were estimated at $300,000 in the last disastrous cold front.
"Transport sector suffered losses worth $2 million," Director General of Ports in Gaza Sa'ed Ammar said.
Ammar pointed out that the ministry crews evacuated 200 small boats inside the port and bolstered the wave breakers throughout the winter storm, which significantly reduced losses.
The ministry had previously warned of the inefficient breakwaters due to the Israeli prevention of entering cement to fortify it.
He said the ministry collected 500 tons of cement blocks from the streets of Gaza in order to consolidate and reinforce the breakers.
The Palestinian government provided 500 cement blocks while it needs about 4,000 to 5,000 blocks which cost $2.5millon, Ammar added to al-Ray news agency.
He said that the breaker will not be able to stand in case the storm continues for two more days.
He called on Arab countries and donors to support Gaza port that is the source of livelihood for more than a thousand families in the besieged strip.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation prevented on Sunday Jerusalem Electricity Company crews to repair the electricity problem in villages south of Bethlehem in occupied West Bank.
Eyewitnesses added that villages southern Bethlehem, where more than 1,500 people live, suffer from cut-off voltage since last Thursday morning, due to the winter storm that hit the area.
