Akre civil defense warns residents of continued flood risks after deadly storms

AKRE — Akre Civil Defense has warned residents that flood risks remain high in the district as heavy rainfall continues, urging the public to take official safety instructions seriously and avoid unnecessary movement during periods of rising water.

Ibrahim Fariq, head of Akre Civil Defense, told 964media that flood risks have not ended, particularly because water levels can quickly rise in streets, alleys and main roads. He said raising public awareness is critical to reducing casualties and damage.

Fariq called on drivers and pedestrians to stay off the roads when water is rising and advised residents in valleys or low-lying areas to plan alternative evacuation routes in case their homes become inaccessible. He urged livestock owners not to send animals out in the coming days and to avoid grazing them in open areas where floods could develop quickly.

Families were also asked not to send their children to school unaccompanied while water levels remain high, due to the risk of fast-moving runoff in streets and crossings. Fariq further advised households to disconnect electricity if floodwater enters their homes and warned hikers to be alert to possible rockslides in mountainous areas after the recent rains.

Storms have already caused deadly flooding across the Kurdistan Region. On Tuesday, two people were killed and 12 injured in Chamchamal district, where authorities reported damage to more than 500 houses. In Kirkuk governorate, a 9-year-old girl died after being swept away by floodwaters in Farqani village. Sulaymaniyah city recorded 122.7 millimeters of rain in the past 24 hours, bringing the season’s total to 258.7 millimeters.

Flash floods also hit the Kurdistan Region in 2024, severely affecting Duhok and Erbil. In Duhok, the flooding killed three people, injured 11 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.