Peregraf — Four senior local officials in the Chamchamal area have requested to be relieved of their posts following the devastating floods that struck the district on December 9, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani announced on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference in Chamchamal, Talabani said the officials submitted their requests in the wake of the disaster, which exposed serious shortcomings in local preparedness and response. Those seeking removal are the Mayor (Qaimaqam) of Chamchamal, the Head of Chamchamal Municipality, the Director of Chamchamal Education, and the Head of Shoreesh Sub-district Municipality.
Talabani added that the Director of Shoreesh Sub-district refused to submit a request to step down, stressing that legal and administrative measures would be taken against him.
Chamchamal district and the Shoreesh sub-district were the areas hardest hit by the latest wave of torrential rains. At least two people were killed and 12 others injured as flash floods swept through several neighborhoods. Dozens of homes and shops were inundated, while vehicles and government offices sustained extensive damage.
Local authorities say damage assessments are ongoing, as emergency relief and recovery efforts continue through coordination between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.