Iraq Kurdistan Region – 4 Killed in Duhok Flash Floods

At least 4 people died in flash floods that hit the city of Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on Saturday, 05 May 2018.

Duhok Civil Defense said that the floods devastated the centre of the city of Duhok and the surrounding regions, damaging or destroying more than 50 homes and 30 cars. The majority of damage was in areas close to the Hishkaro River.

Teams from police and civil defence were called on to rescue 27 people from the flood waters. The fatalities occurred when two vehicles were swept away by flood water in the sub-district of Fahid.

Local media reported that flooding also affected nearby camps for internally displaced people.

Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA) reported that low atmospheric pressure led to heavy rain and thunderstorms with more than 50 mm of rainfall in the center of Duhok during just one hour.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani visited the affected areas on Sunday 06 May.

Flood damage in Duhok, Iraq Kurdistan Region, May 2018. Photo: Government of Duhok
Flood damage in Duhok, Iraq Kurdistan Region, May 2018. Photo: Government of Duhok

Social Media

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Flood Summary

Last updated: May 10, 2018
Event
Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Date
May 5 to May 6, 2018
Type
Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

Duhok

Magnitude

Rainfall level
50 mm in 24 hours
Duhok - May 5 to May 6, 2018
most of the rain fell in 1 hour
River level
Overflowing
Hishkaro River, Duhok - May 5 to May 6, 2018

Damages

Fatalities
4 people
Duhok - May 5 to May 6, 2018
Buildings damaged
50 buildings
Duhok - May 5 to May 6, 2018
Rescued
27 people
Duhok - May 5 to May 6, 2018