17 Dec 2021 | 10:59 AM UTC
Iraq: Authorities responding to flooding in Erbil Governorate Dec. 17
Authorities responding to severe flooding following heavy rainfall in Erbil Governorate, Iraq, Dec. 17. Reports of casualties, disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall late Dec. 16 into early Dec. 17 caused flash flooding in Erbil Governorate and has led to at least eight fatalities. The deaths all occurred in the Daratu neighborhood on the southeastern outskirts of the city of Erbil, with one person being struck by lightning and the other seven drowning in their homes. Flooding has also been reported in the Qushtapa, Shamamk, Zhyan, Roshinbiri, and Bahrka areas of the governorate. An unconfirmed number of people have also been injured, including members of the civil defense department who were responding to the floods, which have also caused damage to a number of homes in the governorate. Many people have been forced to leave their homes and search operations for people missing following the floods are ongoing, with authorities fearing that the death toll could rise further. Further heavy rainfall is forecast through at least Dec. 22, which could exacerbate the situation and hamper response and recovery operations.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services may occur where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the regions. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Additionally, ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
