Heavy Rains Push Kurdistan Region Dams Toward Capacity as Major Reservoirs Overflow or Near Limit
Peregraf — Sustained heavy rainfall has swept across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for several days, driving water levels sharply higher and placing key dams under increasing pressure.
The Darbandikhan Dam has already overflowed, prompting controlled water releases, while the Duhok Dam is approaching maximum capacity and may follow suit.
Officials from the General Directorate of Dams and Reservoirs say the Dukan Dam — the largest in the region — has seen its water level rise by 17 meters since the start of the year. The reservoir has a total storage capacity of approximately 7 billion cubic meters, making it central to the region's water management system.
Darbandikhan, the second-largest dam, holds up to 2.6 billion cubic meters, while Duhok Dam has a capacity of 52 million cubic meters. Together, Dukan and Darbandikhan account for the vast majority of the region's water storage infrastructure.
Smaller dams have also been affected. Authorities say more than 20 minor dams across the Kurdistan Region have already overflowed amid the ongoing rainfall, reflecting the intensity and persistence of the precipitation.
Meteorological forecasts indicate the current weather system is expected to continue for at least ten more days, with rainfall varying in intensity across different areas.
In total, the Kurdistan Region has more than 15 dams with a combined storage capacity exceeding 10 billion cubic meters. Of that, Dukan and Darbandikhan alone account for roughly 9.6 billion cubic meters, underscoring their critical role in water security and flood control.
Heavy rainfall continues to batter the Kurdistan Region for several days now. Footage shows the Darbandikhan Dam overflowing, with authorities releasing part of its water to manage rising levels.
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