UN Expresses Condolences Over Kurdistan Region Floods, Offers Support for Emergency Preparedness

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United Nations in Iraq has expressed condolences to families affected by recent flooding in the Kurdistan Region, saying UN agencies are working with federal and regional authorities to strengthen emergency preparedness and humanitarian response.

In a statement, the UN extended its condolences to families who lost loved ones, crops, and property in the flooding, while reaffirming its readiness to support national and local authorities if called upon.

The UN said its agencies, funds, and programs across Iraq are working with the federal and Kurdistan Regional governments to improve emergency response preparedness, infrastructure, and humanitarian operations.

It added that they stand ready to assist national and local authorities if requested.

The statement comes after severe flash floods struck Erbil on Saturday night, following torrential rainfall that overwhelmed parts of the city and surrounding areas.

The flooding inundated homes and businesses, swept away vehicles, damaged property, and disrupted traffic across several neighborhoods.

Two people died in the floods: a five-year-old child and a 25-year-old volunteer who was using his own front-end loader to help rescue residents when he was swept away by the floodwaters.

Preliminary estimates put rainfall in Erbil at around 80 millimeters, considerably exceeding the approximately 30 millimeters initially forecast.

Rescue and emergency teams worked through the night, with local authorities reporting that around 300 people had been rescued, including residents stranded on rooftops.

Civil Defense personnel, police, Asayish, Zeravani forces, and municipal workers took part in rescue and recovery operations.

Authorities have begun assessing damage to homes and businesses and clearing affected streets and neighborhoods.