Iraq – Floods in Northern and Central Areas After Torrential Rain

by in Asia, News

Torrential rain has caused flooding in parts of northern and central Iraq. At least 5 people died after flooding caused a house to collapse in Diyala. Authorities said conditions in Nineveh, Salah ad-Din and Diyala were “tragic”.

Floods in Iraq, March 2020. Photo; Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR)

Severe flooding was reported in the city of Mosul in Nineveh Governorate after 124mm of rain fell in 24 hours to 18 March, which is around twice the average rainfall for March. Streets of the city were flooded, damaging buildings and vehicles. Some residents living close to the Tigris River evacuated their homes, mostly in areas north of the city.

Media reported at least one home completely collapsed in Diyala Governorate, killing 5 members of the same family.

Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) said that the flooding has caused serious damages and displaced “a large number of people” in central and northern Iraq, including a number of camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Commission said many parts of Nineveh, Salah ad-Din and Diyala have been dealing with “tragic conditions”.

Some hospitals and health centres in Nineveh have been damaged at a crucial time, hindering efforts to deal with the spread of the coronavirus. IHCHR warned of a “health-environmental double disaster” with a population of nearly 2 million struggling with the impacts of flooding and the virus.

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