Canada assists over 7,000 flood-hit Erbil residents

“Our response is meant to provide immediate and tangible relief to the victims of floods.”

Kurdistan 24 2022/01/10 19:01

Residents clear debris in the area of Daratu, south of capital Erbil of Kurdistan Region, Dec. 17, 2021. (Photo: AFP)

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Through an international humanitarian organization, the Canadian government has contributed to relief efforts for those affected by the deadly Erbil floods in early December, the country’s diplomatic representation announced.

Canada has granted the contribution through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies known by its initials IFRC, according to a statement from the Erbil Office of the Canadian Embassy in Iraq.

The aid covers approximately 7,500 people for the duration of four months, the statement added.

“Our response is meant to provide immediate and tangible relief to the victims of floods,” Yves Duval, the head of the embassy’s Erbil office said, adding that the assistance is particularly needed as people are in winter.

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw thanked Canada for the aid in a meeting with the country’s representative in the Kurdish capital.

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw (top right) during his meeting with Yves Duval, head of the office of Canadian Embassy in Iraq, Jan. 10, 2022. (Photo: Erbil Governorate/Facebook)

Doctors without Borders (MSF) recently announced that it would rehabilitate a health facility damaged by the floods.

Erbil authorities had previously announced that the damage caused by the Dec. 17, 2021 flash floods is estimated to be around 20 million Iraqi dinars (over $13 million) worth of damage. So far, only six billion dinars (approximately $4 million) have been collected in the form of donations.

In addition to significant material damages, the flash floods killed 12 people, according to the authorities.

Recently, residents found the dead body of the one victim who was washed away by the floods. A 10-month-baby, who is presumed to be dead by the flood, has been missing since then.