President Barzani Offers Condolences to Families of Two Erbil Flood Victims
President Masoud Barzani expresses sympathy following the deaths of two residents, including a five-year-old child, in heavy rainfall and flooding in Erbil
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — President Masoud Barzani has expressed his condolences to the families of two residents who lost their lives in heavy rainfall and flooding in Erbil on Saturday, offering prayers for the victims and comfort to their grieving relatives.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, Barzani extended his sympathy to the families and loved ones of Mohammed Rasul Hamad Amin and five-year-old Mustafa Serkawt Khidr, who died as a result of the severe rainfall and flooding that hit the capital.
"I share the grief of both families following this heartbreaking incident and ask Almighty God to grant them patience and comfort, and to bless the souls of the victims with eternal peace in paradise," Barzani said.
He concluded his message with the Islamic condolence phrase, "Indeed, we belong to God, and indeed, to Him we shall return."
The message was dated Nov. 8, 2026, following severe rainfall that triggered flooding across several parts of Erbil, causing casualties and disrupting daily life.
The incident has highlighted the risks posed by sudden flooding during periods of intense rainfall, particularly in urban areas where drainage systems can become overwhelmed.
The flash floods swept through several Erbil neighborhoods on Saturday evening, inundating homes, shops and roads, sweeping away vehicles and causing extensive property damage.
According to Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, approximately 80 millimeters of rain fell, far exceeding the initial forecast of 30 millimeters. Rescue teams from Civil Defense, police, Asayish, Zeravani forces and municipal services worked through the night, rescuing around 300 people, including residents stranded on rooftops and in flooded areas.
The governor also supervised rescue and relief operations until late Saturday, while crews continued pumping out water, clearing debris and restoring access to affected neighborhoods.