Erbil steps up flood defenses as heavy rain forecast for Sunday

ERBIL – Rain is expected across central urban areas of the Kurdistan Region on Sunday, with Erbil municipal crews on alert and carrying out preventative work, the city’s municipality said Saturday.

Erbil Mayor Karzan Abdulhadi met with department heads and supervisors to review plans to reduce flood risks and prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas. The municipality said preparations are focused on limiting the impact of possible heavy downpours.

Since Friday night, drainage systems and channels have been cleared, and markets in the Tayrawa and Sheikhalla areas have been cleaned. Several teams have been deployed across key streets to monitor trouble spots and respond quickly if water levels rise.

Meanwhile, the Civil Defense Directorate in Erbil’s Soran Autonomous Administration warned of heavy rain and possible flash floods in the coming days. It urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous areas, where runoff and landslides are more likely.

Flash floods hit the Kurdistan Region in 2024, severely affecting Duhok and Erbil. In Duhok, the flooding killed three people, injured eleven and displaced hundreds, while causing extensive damage to homes, vehicles and infrastructure. In Erbil, dozens of families were affected as floodwaters damaged roads, pavements and residential neighborhoods.