The Hamamok Dam, located in Erbil’s Koya district. (Photo: 964media)
'On the verge'
Hamamok Dam near Koya close to drying out amid low rainfall, officials say
KOYA — Water levels at Hamamok Dam in Koya district, Erbil governorate, have dropped significantly due to drought and low rainfall this year, with officials warning that the reservoir is nearing depletion.
Nawa Mohammed, head of dams and irrigation in Koya, told 964media, “Last year the dam reached full capacity, but this year it is on the verge of drying. The water level has dropped 14 meters from its peak capacity of 23 meters.”
He added that silt and mud have accumulated in the remaining water, complicating efforts to estimate the dam’s current volume.
Hamamok Dam was built in 2010 near Hamamok village in the foothills of the Bawaji mountains. It was designed to hold up to 250,000 cubic meters of water and is primarily supplied by rainfall and seasonal runoff from local springs and streams.
The dam provides irrigation and livestock water for nearby farmers and also serves as a seasonal tourist destination due to its scenic natural surroundings.
