Tourism, civil defense directorates
Soran authorities take action after four drownings in less than a month
SORAN — The Soran Autonomous Administration held a meeting Sunday to address the recent drownings of four tourists in the area and to implement measures to prevent further incidents.
The meeting included the head of the administration and the directors of Civil Defense and the Tourism Directorate, aiming to enhance safety protocols at tourist sites.
A committee from the Soran Tourism and Civil Defense departments was formed to inspect all tourist sites in the area and review health and safety standards.
The Civil Defense Directorate has identified a list of requirements and guidelines for tourist sites, including signage, barriers along rivers, and better organization of these locations.
“Soran is a popular tourist destination for people from Kurdistan and Iraq. However, the lack of expertise among tourists can lead to tragic accidents, and we aim to prevent these incidents,” said Halgurd Sheikh Najib, Head of the Soran Autonomous Administration, to 964media.
He emphasized that the newly formed committee would inspect all tourist sites in Soran. Any location found lacking in safety standards “will be closed immediately.”
“We will close any tourist site that does not comply, even if it means shutting down a popular destination. The safety of our citizens and tourists is more important,” Najib added.
Last year, nine residents and tourists drowned in the rivers of Soran. Within the past month alone, four tourists have drowned, with one still missing and presumed drowned.
The Soran Administration oversees six districts, 14 sub-districts, and nearly 800 villages, with a population of approximately 380,000 people.
14-year-old girl missing in Choman tourist area
Body of boy, aged 13, recovered from Choman river
