At a Glance

• Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani contacted Erbil authorities to assess overnight flood damage.

• The President ordered swift aid and comprehensive mitigation measures for all affected citizens.

• Erbil Governor Xoshnaw chaired an expansive emergency meeting on Sunday to manage human and material losses.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani directly contacted Erbil authorities on Sunday to assess the damage from overnight floods, instructing them to provide immediate aid to affected citizens and implement emergency relief measures. 

Key Statements and Focus Area

• The Kurdistan Region Presidency stated that President Barzani held a telephone conversation with Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw “to follow up on the repercussions and damage caused by last night's floods in Erbil, focusing particularly on the impact on citizens.” 

• The Kurdistan Region President expressed “his deep sympathy and extended his condolences to the families and relatives of the flood victims.”

Barzani issued a statement on the flash floods that tore across nearly all city sectors, instructing the governor and relevant authorities “to provide all necessary aid and assistance to the affected individuals, while taking the necessary steps to mitigate the aftermath of the floods.” 

During the call, the Erbil Governor provided an overview of the situation, detailing the extent of the damage and the emergency measures taken. 

He expressed his appreciation to the Kurdistan Region President for his continuous follow-up and dedication to the well-being of the affected citizens.

Meanwhile, an expansive emergency meeting chaired by Governor today assessed the severe human casualties and material losses caused by the flash floods. 

During the session, provincial officials expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for his continuous crisis monitoring and praised the rapid response of local rescue teams.

To manage the aftermath, leadership immediately established a Joint Operations Room to clear mud and debris from streets alongside an investigative committee to determine the underlying causes of the flooding. 

Additionally, specific directives were issued to specialized provincial departments and the Barzani Charity Foundation to assess citizen property damage, clear peripheral transport corridors, and restore natural drainage channels.

FYI

Torrential rainfall triggered heavy flash flooding across several residential neighborhoods and main corridors in Erbil on Saturday evening. 

The sudden deluge inundated numerous houses and public spaces, while a large number of vehicles suffered extensive water damage from the rapidly rising currents. The severe flooding tragically claimed two lives, including a five-year-old child who was swept away inside a vehicle by surging waters in the New Erbil neighborhood. 

Concurrently, a 28-year-old volunteer wheel loader operator drowned near Hiwa City while bravely utilizing his heavy machinery to rescue stranded residents from the severe weather. 

Emergency response crews have since successfully recovered both victims as recovery efforts continue across the city. 

Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of caretaker KRG, also held a phone call with the governor to assess the emergency conditions and instructed him to implement all necessary emergency measures to safeguard citizen lives and properties.

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Heavy Rain Floods Erbil as Authorities Issue Public Warnings