An aerial view of Kalar, the center of the Garmian Autonomous Administration in Sulaymaniyah governorate. (Photo: 964media)
No official New Year celebrations in Garmian following Chamchamal floods
GARMIAN — Authorities in the Garmian Autonomous Administration, Sulaymaniyah, announced that no official New Year celebrations will be held this year as an expression of solidarity with the victims of recent floods in Chamchamal and Garmian.
Kalar district commissioner Aref Adel told 964media, “After consultations with the Garmian Administration, we decided to cancel official New Year festivities and not hold any formal events.”
He said the decision was made to show sympathy for the families of those who lost their lives in the floods that struck Chamchamal and other areas.
On December 9, heavy rainfall in Chamchamal, Kirkuk, Garmian, and other areas caused severe flooding, resulting in the deaths of five people and damaging hundreds of houses and vehicles.
Earlier, the governorates of Sulaymaniyah and Halabja had also announced the cancellation of New Year celebrations in solidarity with the affected families.
Halabja Governor Nukhsha Nasih issued the decision to halt celebrations and events marking the New Year, according to a statement from the governorate, which said the move was intended to show respect for the flood victims and extend condolences to affected families.
Sulaymaniyah Governor Haval Abubakir also said no official Christmas or New Year celebrations will be held across Sulaymaniyah governorate. “In solidarity and sympathy with all affected,” the statement said, Sulaymaniyah will not hold official celebrations.