Kurdistan
Civil defense workers opening a manhole in Erbil in November 2023 following heavy rainfalls. File photo: Rudaw/Bilind T. Abdullah
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A fresh wave of rainfall is expected to sweep across the Kurdistan Region starting Tuesday night, with snowfall forecast for higher mountainous areas, according to the Region’s meteorology department.
Meteorologists said temperatures are expected to drop, ranging between 2 and 3 degrees Celsius, particularly in elevated areas.
Rainfall is forecast to continue through Wednesday at a moderate intensity.
The announcement comes just over a week after the Kurdistan Region and parts of Iraq experienced three consecutive days of heavy rainfall that triggered widespread flash flooding.
According to a preliminary report by the Kurdistan Region’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC), the floods resulted in at least five deaths, 19 injuries, and damage to more than 2,200 homes across the Kurdistan Region and neighboring Kirkuk province.
Chamchamal district in western Sulaimani province was the hardest-hit area, where two people lost their lives and 12 others were injured. The JCC reported that approximately 1,607 homes were damaged in the district, along with the destruction of around 200 vehicles. In addition, 115 shops and workplaces were affected, while damage was recorded at 450 public and private projects.
Weather expert Mohammad Kamal said another wave of rainfall is expected to affect the Kurdistan Region between December 27 and January 2.
Despite the incoming precipitation, Kamal reassured residents that the upcoming rainfall is not expected to pose a flooding risk.
“There will be no risk of flooding,” he said.
Kurdistan Region authorities have urged residents, particularly those in low-lying and mountainous regions, to remain cautious and stay informed through official weather updates.
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