Erbil mine authority warns heavy rain could shift landmines toward roads, homes

ERBIL – Erbil’s General Directorate of Mine Affairs warned Monday that heavy rainfall could dislodge landmines and carry them into roads and residential areas, increasing the risk to civilians.

The agency said recent intense and persistent rain has raised the likelihood that mines will move from mountainous and forested terrain.

“Each year, rainfall causes mines to shift from their original locations, posing serious danger to civilian life,” the directorate said in a statement.

The Kurdistan Region remains heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance after decades of conflict, including the Iran-Iraq War, fighting under the Baathist regime and later instability. Rural communities are particularly exposed, with mines threatening both lives and livelihoods.

Officials urged residents not to touch any landmines, unexploded ordnance or unidentified objects they encounter and to report them immediately to the authorities.

The directorate said response teams are on alert and ready to handle reports in an effort to neutralize threats as quickly as possible.

Official figures show landmine explosions caused 11 casualties in the Kurdistan Region in 2024, including four deaths and seven injuries or amputations. In 2023, there were 23 incidents, resulting in 10 fatalities and 13 injuries.