Kurdistan
Footage of a flood in Sulaimani province, Chamchamal district, on December 9, 2025. Photo: screengrab/Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Flash floods triggered by days of heavy rainfall have killed at least five people, injured 19 others, and damaged thousands of homes across the Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk, according to a preliminary report by the Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC).
In a preliminary report as of Friday evening, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s JCC said the rainstorm wave and flooding had killed at least five people, injured 19, damaged 2,225 homes across the Region and Kirkuk province. The figures, which include Sulaimani, Kirkuk, Erbil, Halabja, and Duhok provinces, also show that more than 215 shops and 107 orchards were damaged. The statement added that 534 projects were affected.
The Kurdistan Region and several parts of Iraq experienced three consecutive days of heavy rainfall beginning Monday, triggering severe flash floods. Floodwaters swept through parts of eastern Sulaimani province on Tuesday, damaging homes and infrastructure. Kalar and Chamchamal were among the hardest-hit districts, where residents described extensive damage to their homes and expressed gratitude for support.
Charities have launched relief efforts, particularly in Sulaimani province’s Chamchamal district, where flash floods killed two people and damaged hundreds of homes. Aid groups are distributing essential supplies and helping residents clean and repair damaged houses, officials said.
According to the statement, “two people lost their lives, and 12 people were injured,” in Sulaimani, while “1,607 homes were damaged, 15,000 chicks died; 200 cars and 115 shops and workplaces, as well as 450 projects were damaged.”
In the Garmian Independent Administration, one death was recorded due to flooding, while 150 homes and more than 100 shops and workplaces were damaged.
In Kirkuk, the floods claimed two lives and injured one person, with damage reported to 35 homes and five projects.
In Erbil province, six people were injured, and damage was inflicted on 20 homes. The floods also caused the loss of 397,900 fish, while 107 orchards and 78 projects were damaged.
In Halabja, four homes were damaged with no casualties reported, while Duhok province recorded no damage or injuries.
In Chamchamal, work has not resumed in offices and schools. Abdullah Hamakakarash, head of Chamchamal’s education directorate, told Rudaw, “We decided to extend the school holiday because the city's situation and the damages are not conducive to resuming work.”
Soran Hussein contributed to this report.
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