A scene from the incident site in Gali Ali Beg, where falling rocks damaged a water main. (Photo: 964media)
Gali Ali Beg Valley
Rockfall disrupts water supply in Erbil’s Soran
SORAN — A rockfall in the Gali Ali Beg Valley last night damaged a main water pipeline, disrupting the water supply to parts of Soran city in the Erbil Governorate, local officials reported.
The primary source of drinking water for Soran residents is the Bekhal Waters, which provides 70% of the city’s neighborhoods through two 16-inch pipelines originating from the touristy Bekhal area.
“After being informed that the pipeline from Gali Ali Beg was damaged, our teams responded to repair it. The work is expected to be completed today,” said Sanar Rustayi, spokesperson for the Soran Water Directorate, speaking to 964media.
Rustayi added that the damage has caused water shortages in Soran since last night and warned that delays in repairs could exacerbate the issue. “If repairs are not completed soon, the issue could worsen,” he noted.
Similar incidents have occurred in recent years. In January 2024, falling rocks from a cliff in Gali Ali Beg damaged the main water line, leading to shortages in several neighborhoods. Witnesses at that time reported that over 20 rocks of varying sizes struck the pipeline.