Erbil and Sulaymaniyah brace for heavy rains and possible flash floods as authorities issue warning

ERBIL — The Iraqi Meteorological Authority issued a severe weather warning on Saturday for Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, and northern Diyala, forecasting heavy rainfall from early Sunday morning through Monday, with potential flash floods and severe flooding in vulnerable areas.

The Kurdistan Region’s meteorology department echoed the alert, predicting mostly cloudy skies today, with rain increasing overnight and intensifying along the Sulaimaniyah border. The rain is expected to spread across all areas of Kurdistan, with thunderstorms possible in some regions.

Weather expert Sirwan Salih cautioned on Facebook that a rainstorm might hit most of Kurdistan Region and Garmian tonight, increasing in intensity by late Saturday into Sunday. Salih warned of flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas, advising residents to avoid these locations and stay safe.

Meteorologists predict rainfall amounts could reach 70-80 mm in Garmian and Raparin independent administrations, with heavy thunderstorms anticipated. Authorities are urging the public to stay away from flood-prone areas, avoid exposed locations near power lines, and prioritize safety measures.

This weather system comes months after severe flash floods in March 2024 that struck the Kurdistan Region, severely impacting Duhok and Erbil. In Duhok, the flooding led to three fatalities, injuries to eleven people, and displaced 627 residents, with extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. In Erbil, 86 families were affected, particularly in neighborhoods like Terawa, Badawa, and Dara Tow, as floods damaged roads, pavements, and residential areas.

Authorities are on high alert, with ongoing preparations to mitigate potential damage from the upcoming rainstorm.