10-year-old boy presumed drowned in Little Zab River near Koya

ERBIL — A 10-year-old boy is presumed to have drowned Thursday afternoon in the Little Zab River near Kleisa village in Koya District, Erbil governorate. Efforts to find him are ongoing, as the small community grieves and rallies to assist in the search.

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. when the boy reportedly fell into the river while playing near the water. Known for its scenic orchards, Kleisa lies 41 kilometers from the Koya District center, with the Little Zab River flowing along its outskirts. While a crucial water source for the region, the river is infamous for its deceptive currents, which become especially treacherous during the rainy season.

Soran Mubarak, a spokesperson for the Taqtaq diving team, detailed the ongoing rescue efforts to 964media. “The boy, only 10 years old, fell into the Little Zab River and drowned. His body has not yet been found, and the search is ongoing,” Mubarak said, noting that divers and specialized equipment are being used to locate the boy.

As news of the tragedy spread, residents from Kleisa and surrounding villages joined the search, combing the riverbanks and offering support to the grieving family. Local officials have urged the community to exercise caution near the river, especially during the winter months when rainfall intensifies its flow and unpredictability.

For Kleisa’s villagers, the tragedy underscores the river’s dual nature as both a source of life and a hidden danger. “This river gives life to our orchards and farms, but it also takes life when we are not careful,” one villager said while assisting in the search.