Body of 22-year-old recovered three days after drowning near Taqtaq

ERBIL — The body of a 22-year-old man who drowned three days ago in Taqtaq, Erbil, was recovered Monday near Kani Lala village, according to Koya Civil Defense.

Goran Ahmed, director of Koya Civil Defense, told 964media the body of Sabur Muzaffar, a resident of Erbil, was discovered more than 10 kilometers from where he drowned. “The body was found by residents,” Ahmed said.

Muzaffar drowned Friday while swimming with friends during a trip to Taqtaq. His body was located after three days of search operations.

As of late July, thirty-two people have drowned across the Kurdistan Region this year, with Erbil governorate recording the highest number of cases, according to civil defense officials.

The overall toll reflects a decrease from the same period in 2024, when 49 drownings were recorded in the first seven months.

Despite repeated warnings from authorities, many residents and tourists continue to swim rivers and lakes to cool off in the summer heat, often underestimating the risks.