Storm Byron has unleashed heavy rains and flooding across Israel and Gaza, claiming lives and prompting massive rescue efforts. As of December 13, 2025, one man died from hypothermia in East Jerusalem, a teen remains missing near Tel Aviv, and at least 11 people perished in Gaza amid tent city floods.
This powerful winter storm, named Byron, struck the region starting Thursday, bringing record rainfall and strong winds. It has stretched emergency services thin, with rescuers saving over 100 people in southern Israel alone. In Gaza, the storm has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation, flooding makeshift shelters for displaced families.
Fatalities and Rescues in Israel
Emergency teams found a man in his 50s lifeless in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood on Friday morning. He showed signs of severe hypothermia after lying in a puddle during the storm’s peak.
This marks the second hypothermia death in Israel from Byron. A day earlier, a 53-year-old man was discovered dead in his home under similar conditions. Neighbors called for help, but medics could not revive him.
Rescue operations ramped up in southern areas like Ashkelon and Kiryat Gat. Firefighters pulled people from flooded cars and buildings, often using boats in deep waters.
In Beit Shemesh, locals saved two young children from a swollen canal. The kids, aged 5 and 6, suffered mild frostbite but are recovering.
A woman was rescued from the Yarkon River near Tel Aviv, exhausted and hypothermic. She received medical care after being missing in the water.
Missing Teen Sparks Urgent Search
Authorities continue hunting for 19-year-old Eliyahu Abba Shaul, who vanished from Bnei Brak on Thursday evening. Police found his clothes and motorized bicycle along the Yarkon River in Ramat Gan.
Search teams, including volunteers, focus on the riverbanks. Heavy rains have swollen the waterway, complicating efforts.
Family and friends describe Eliyahu as a responsible young man. His disappearance has gripped the community, with calls for public help in the search.
Weather experts predict the storm will ease by Friday afternoon, allowing better conditions for rescuers.
Gaza Faces Deadly Flooding Crisis
In Gaza, Storm Byron has killed at least 11 people since Thursday, according to Palestinian reports. Tent cities for displaced families flooded, leaving thousands exposed to cold and rain.
A house collapse in Beit Lahiya claimed five lives, while two girls died from cold in separate camps. Heavy rains toppled damaged buildings, trapping people under rubble.
Civil defense teams rescued survivors from at least 10 collapsed structures. Officials warn against seeking shelter in war-damaged buildings that could fall.
The storm highlights ongoing aid shortages. Fuel and equipment shortages hinder response efforts, as noted by local authorities.
Displaced families report soaked belongings and freezing nights. Children and the elderly face the highest risks in these conditions.
- Key impacts in Gaza: Flooded tents trap families; strong winds and hail add to misery; aid restrictions worsen the crisis.
Storm Byron’s Broader Effects
Meteorologists recorded over seven inches of rain in some areas, like near Haifa. This led to road closures from Zikhron Yaakov to Mitzpe Ramon and urban flooding in cities like Yavne and Netanya.
Thunderstorms persisted into Friday morning, with flood risks in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea regions. Warmer weather is expected soon, offering relief.
The storm serves as a reminder of climate change effects. Experts urge better preparation for extreme weather in the region.
Compared to past storms, Byron’s intensity rivals events from recent years, straining infrastructure built for milder conditions.
| Area Affected | Reported Deaths | Rescue Operations | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Jerusalem | 1 (hypothermia) | Paramedic response | Cold exposure in open areas |
| Tel Aviv Region | 0 (1 missing) | River searches | Swollen waterways |
| Southern Israel | 1 (hypothermia) | 58 rescues, over 100 saved | Flooded roads and buildings |
| Gaza | 11 (collapses, cold) | Building extractions | Damaged infrastructure, aid shortages |
Regional Warnings and Preparations
Before the storm, the Israeli army sent soldiers home early from southern bases to avoid travel risks. Searches also continued for four Israelis on a yacht lost en route to Cyprus.
In Gaza, warnings about unstable buildings went out, but war damage limited options for safety.
This event ties into broader patterns. Recent years have seen more intense Mediterranean storms, linked to warming seas.
Communities now push for improved drainage and emergency plans to handle future events.
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