Volunteers spread grain for birds after heavy snowfall blankets Pshdar

PSHDAR — Volunteers in Pshdar, in Sulaymaniyah governorate, distributed grain to birds after more than 25 centimeters of snow covered the area, straining local wildlife and limiting access to food.

Ali Dinka and his group carried 500 kilograms of wheat and grain into the highlands early in the morning, driving about 10 kilometers from town before daylight reached the snow-covered terrain. They placed the feed at 14 locations to help birds survive the harsh winter conditions.

“We won’t let the birds and animals go without food,” Dinka told 964media. He urged residents to use rooftops and walls as shelters for birds until the snow melts and natural food sources become accessible again.

The effort comes as the Kurdistan Region experiences snowfall and cold weather this week, with mountainous and border areas recording significant accumulations this week. The conditions have caused travel disruptions, road closures and rescue operations in parts of Erbil governorate and surrounding highland districts.

Authorities have reported snow blocking key routes and shutting the Kele border crossing with Iran, halting tourist and commercial traffic, and have warned residents to avoid mountain roads due to dangerous conditions.

Environmental activists and volunteer groups have launched similar feeding efforts for wildlife across snow-covered highlands in recent days, distributing grain and other supplies to support birds and animals struggling to find food under deep snow.