Visualizing Gaza’s Massive Rubble Problem

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Visualizing Gaza’s Massive Rubble Problem

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• The rubble left in Gaza post-conflict is estimated at 55 million tonnes, more than double that of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake.
• Up to 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, compared to 15% in Haiti during its disaster.
• Clearing Gaza’s debris could take years and cost billions, with enormous environmental and logistical challenges.

The aftermath of the war in Gaza has left behind one of the most concentrated zones of urban destruction in recent history. According to a UNDP analysis released in October 2025, the two-year-long bombardment generated an estimated 55 million tonnes of rubble.

To put that in perspective, this is more than twice the debris generated by the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which produced around 23 million tonnes of rubble. The Gaza estimate was calculated using satellite-based 3D volumetric models combined with rubble density assumptions.

Comparing Gaza and Haiti’s Urban Destruction

The table below compares key metrics from the two disasters, highlighting the scale of displacement and infrastructural damage.

While both events had devastating consequences, the impact in Gaza was magnified by the region’s dense population and ongoing siege. Nearly 1.9 million people have been displaced, according to the OHCHR. In Haiti, 1.5 million people were displaced, representing 15% of the population at the time.

Rebuilding Amid Mountains of Rubble

The scale of damage in the Gaza Strip is staggering. Estimates vary, even between UN institutions, but 60‑80% of buildings are reportedly damaged or destroyed.

Beyond the human toll, the sheer physical scale of destruction poses major challenges. UN officials estimate that clearing the rubble could take up to seven years and cost billions of dollars. A separate UNDP reconstruction plan estimates that over $70 billion will be needed to restore basic infrastructure and housing.

But it’s not just a question of hauling debris away, the rubble is now mixed with sewage, unexploded ordnance, and toxic materials. These conditions complicate not only the logistics of removal, but also pose significant environmental and health risks. In short, the conflict appears to be winding down, but the impacts will be felt for many years to come.

To see how much the region has changed, revisit this map explainer on the Gaza Strip published at the outset of the conflict.