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Sudden heavy rain flooded numerous homes and businesses in the center of Erbil in northern Iraq on Saturday night, turning underpasses and main streets into virtual lakes. Many vehicles became stranded on the roads in Erbil, where transportation was disrupted.
In a written statement, Erbil Governor Umid Hosnav said the city received far more rain than expected, noting that precipitation forecast at 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) reached 80 millimeters (3.15 inches).
Hosnav said an excavator operator died during search and rescue efforts, while a child stranded in a vehicle with his father was swept away by the current and went missing. Local media reported that the missing child’s body has been recovered.
Initial assessments indicate the flood caused extensive material damage to businesses, with the financial toll estimated at around $8 million.
Meanwhile, Türkiye’s Consulate General in Erbil issued a message of condolence for those who died in the flood.
The mission voiced sorrow that heavy rain across Erbil and its surroundings had caused deaths, damaged property and upended daily routines.
“We pray for Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives,” it said, conveying condolences to the victims’ families and to the entire Iraqi people.
The consulate general added that it is keeping a close watch on the condition of Turkish nationals.
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