Residents of Chamchamal to receive over $1.3 million in first phase of compensation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The first phase of compensation totaling 1.8 billion Iraqi dinars (more than $1.3 million) for families affected by recent floods in the Chamchamal district of Sulaimani province began on Monday, an official told Rudaw.

The compensation, which will be distributed in cash, is being overseen by the Chamchamal Relief and Reconstruction Commission. The first phase, scheduled to last two days, will cover 639 families.

“Families whose homes were damaged will be compensated through a transparent, live process,” Ata Mohammed, head of the commission and chief of staff to Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, told Rudaw on Monday. He added that compensation would be distributed in the presence of all relevant parties.

"Families are compensated depending on scale of the damage they have seen," he said.

The Kurdistan Region and parts of Iraq experienced three consecutive days of heavy rainfall more than a week ago, triggering severe flash floods. A preliminary report from the Kurdistan Region’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC) recorded at least five deaths, 19 injuries, and damage to 2,225 homes across the Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk province.

Chamchamal district in western Sulaimani province was the hardest-hit area, with two fatalities and 12 injuries reported. According to the JCC, approximately 1,607 homes were damaged, 200 vehicles destroyed, 115 shops and workplaces affected, and 450 projects impacted.

A significant portion of the relief funds - exceeding 7 billion dinars (around $5.3 million) - was raised through Rudaw’s flagship program Lagal Ranj (“With Ranj” in Kurdish), presented by renowned Kurdish media figure and Rudaw lead anchor Ranj Sangawi. Sangawi launched the fundraising campaign shortly after the disaster.

Opening the broadcast, Sangawi told viewers, “Today’s program is not With Ranj, but rather With the People.”

As of the time of writing, more than $8.7 million - primarily donated by Kurdish businessmen - had been raisedm with fundrising efforts ongoing. A dedicated website has been launched to allow the public to track donations in real time.

Mohammed confirmed to Rudaw that deposits are ongoing and that the final total has not yet been determined.

Officials have decided to distribute compensation in cash so families can purchase household items based on their specific needs.

Rudaw’s representative on the Chamchamal Relief and Reconstruction Commission, Ali Jaff, outlined how the compensation is being allocated.

“The initial compensation focuses on providing household essentials,” Jaff said. “On the first day, 639 families will receive 861,345,000 dinars. On the second day, 445 families in the Sorsh sub-district will be compensated with 772,377,000 dinars. Additionally, 210 families in Takiya will receive 248,220,000 dinars, while six families in Aghjalar will be allocated 6,300,000 dinars.”

According to Jaff, the second phase of compensation - covering damaged businesses and vehicles - is scheduled to take place before New Year’s Eve.

“The remaining funds will be allocated to public services for the people of Chamchamal,” he added.