Floodwater fills the Chamchamal Public Library, leaving shelves drenched and thousands of books destroyed after this week’s heavy rainfall. Photo by 964media.
964media launches book drive to rebuild Chamchamal library destroyed in floods
CHAMCHAMAL – 964media has launched a campaign to collect books for the Chamchamal Public Library after devastating floods on Tuesday left the building submerged and destroyed its entire collection, wiping out nearly four decades of work by staff and volunteers.
Library director Hersh Abdulrahman told 964media that “nearly one meter of water entered the library and completely destroyed it,” saying around 10,000 books and magazines were soaked in mud and ruined. The library, a key cultural and educational resource for residents and students across Chamchamal district for 39 years, was rendered unusable within minutes as floodwaters swept through the building.
As a first step in the rebuilding effort, 964media is donating 100 books to the library and calling on publishing houses, printing centers, authors and readers to join the campaign by contributing additional titles. “We ask everyone to stand behind this effort and help return the library to its feet,” 964media said.
Journalist Hemn Hassan also announced his support, writing on Facebook: “I will take part in donating books to Chamchamal Library, and I will donate 50 books.” Many residents have posted similar pledges on social media.
The Khall Organization for Thought and Culture said it will donate all its printed publications to help rebuild the library, offering condolences to the families of those who died and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. The organization said it hopes community efforts will help restore normal life for affected residents.
The destruction of the library followed days of heavy rainfall that triggered widespread flooding across the Kurdistan Region. Chamchamal district reported two deaths and 12 injuries, along with damage to more than 500 houses. In Kalar, a child drowned in the Gazino stream, and repair crews damaged a main water pipeline during search operations, cutting water to 14 neighborhoods. In Bazyan subdistrict, engineer Ahmad Hamed Shetri was swept away and confirmed dead, though his body has not yet been recovered. In Kirkuk governorate, a 9-year-old girl died in Farqani village after being carried away by floodwaters.
Sulaymaniyah city recorded 122.7 millimeters of rain in 24 hours, bringing the season’s total to 258.7 millimeters. Rising river levels also destroyed hundreds of fish ponds in Taqtaq and forced school and government closures in several districts.
As recovery efforts continue, 964media is coordinating with readers, writers and cultural institutions across the region to help rebuild the Chamchamal Public Library, aiming to restore a cultural space that has served generations of residents.