Young man drowns in Sirwan River near Zhallanaw picnic area

SULAYMANIYAH — A young man drowned Sunday while swimming in the Sirwan River at the Zhallanaw picnic area in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, local authorities said.

Kaywan Ahmad, head of the Civil Defense in Darbandikhan district, told 964media that the victim was a resident of Darbandikhan.

“We were notified of the drowning of an individual around 20 years old in the Sirwan River,” Ahmad said. The body was recovered and transferred to the forensic medicine department.

As temperatures rise during the summer months, many residents across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region seek relief in rivers and lakes. However, officials warn that these outings can turn deadly, particularly for young people with limited swimming experience who underestimate strong currents and deep water.

Ahmad said this marks the second drowning case reported in the area so far this year.

As of late July, 32 people have drowned across the Kurdistan Region, with Erbil governorate reporting the highest number of incidents. The overall figure marks a decrease from the same period in 2024, when 49 drownings were recorded in the first seven months.