Authorities warn of Duhok dam’s risk of collapse

DUHOK – The Amedi Water Management Authority issues urgent warnings as the “Mohammed Mohsin” dam, situated in the Amedi district of Duhok province and serving the Kwan community, teeters on the brink of collapse.

Residents and livestock owners are urged to evacuate the area immediately to avoid the imminent danger.

On Thursday, authorities alerted community members and animal herders that a section of the dam had already collapsed.

Erected just five years ago, the “Mohammed Mohsin” dam stands at an imposing 28 meters tall, harboring 320,000 cubic meters of water.

It plays a pivotal role in sustaining agriculture and livestock activities in the vicinity, with approximately 20,000 trees also relying on its water supply.

These warnings follow the onslaught of heavy floods that ravaged parts of Duhok province since March 19, resulting in the loss of at least three lives, numerous injuries, and extensive damage to dozens of homes, as reported by local authorities.

Botan Amedi, Director of Amedi Water Management, shed light on the dire state of the dam, particularly amidst relentless rainfall, heightening the risk of a catastrophic collapse.

Amedi emphasized the peril to both livestock owners and residents in close proximity to the dam, urging them to heed the warnings and evacuate the area promptly.

He further emphasized, “The sole recourse is to drain the dam’s water levels through its channels. However, this process may span up to two weeks.” Amedi underscored the urgency of the situation, adding “We are diligently exploring expedited solutions to address this pressing issue.”

The Kwan community, integral to the Amedi district, relies on two vital dams: the Kwan dam and the Mohammed Mohsin dam, both indispensable for fulfilling the region’s agricultural and livestock requisites.