The first heavy rainfall of winter has sent water cascading through the sprawling Muwasi tent camp in the Gaza Strip, as the embattled enclave struggles to cope with flooding and devastated infrastructure from two years of war.

Residents attempted to dig trenches to direct the water from flooding their tents, as rain dripped through tears in tarpaulins and makeshift shelters.

The first rain of the season pounded down in intermittent bursts, soaking the scant belongings families have managed to save.

Strong winds can also topple tents and destroy families' attempts to gather food and supplies as another bleak winter sets in.

Two weeks ago, Bassil Naggar bought a new tent from the black market for 2300 NIS ($A1,093.29), because the scorching summer sun had worn his old tent thin. Still,

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