Peregraf - The Kurdistan Region has experienced a dramatic rise in rainfall this year compared to last year, with some governorates recording unprecedented increases. Duhok saw the sharpest jump, with rainfall rising from 27 mm last year to 124 mm this year—an increase of nearly 360%. Erbil recorded 73 mm compared to 32 mm last year (+128%), Sulaymaniyah saw 258 mm versus 145 mm (+78%), while Halabja’s rainfall increased slightly to 224 mm from 204 mm (+10%).
The heavy rains culminated in severe flooding yesterday, with Chamchamal bearing the brunt of the disaster. Two people lost their lives in the district, 12 others were injured, and dozens of homes, shops, and vehicles were damaged. Several government offices also sustained significant destruction.
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani visited Chamchamal to assess the damage, check on affected families, and oversee investigations into possible negligence by local authorities. He pledged accountability and support for residents as relief efforts continue.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has instructed federal authorities to provide urgent assistance to the Kurdistan Region. The National Center for Crisis and Disaster Management and other relevant bodies were tasked with delivering immediate relief, while the Ministry of Finance allocated an emergency fund to ensure essential supplies reach affected communities.
The Kurdistan Region’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC) reported that one person remains missing and another is in unstable condition following rescue with severe breathing difficulties. Floodwaters have swept away vehicles and caused widespread damage to infrastructure, markets, and residential areas across several governorates.