Erbil Governor: All Flood Victims to Be Compensated, Investigation to Begin

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has remained in constant contact with officials since flash flooding struck Erbil, while authorities have pledged to compensate all affected citizens and take legal action against those found responsible, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw said on Tuesday.

Speaking to Kurdistan24, Khoshnaw said that Prime Minister Barzani had been in contact with officials since the night of the flash flooding, thanking the response teams and stressing the need to address all shortcomings.

Khoshnaw said Erbil city recorded 80 millimeters of rainfall within just a few hours, while some areas received more than 100 millimeters.

He explained that only 30 percent of the flood-prevention plan introduced in 2021 had been implemented, including several strategic projects. The remaining projects had not been completed due to insufficient funding. However, he said the implemented projects had helped limit the damage, which would otherwise have been considerably greater.

Regarding the response, Khoshnaw said a special committee had been established and authorities were currently cleaning affected areas and assessing the damage. An investigation into the causes of the flooding will begin once these stages are completed.

The governor assured residents that everyone who suffered losses would receive compensation. He added that the Erbil Governorate had submitted a detailed report requesting assistance from the Iraqi federal government through its emergency budget, noting that the Kurdistan Region had been excluded from that budget for several years.

On electricity, Khoshnaw said private generators had been instructed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., allowing residents to carry out their daily activities. The schedule will remain in effect until the national electricity supply returns to normal.

He also said preparations for winter fuel distribution had begun, with the federal government expected to provide 50 million liters of kerosene. Once the fuel arrives, distribution will follow an established priority plan, beginning with mountainous areas, followed by independent administrations and then city centers.

Addressing traffic congestion on the Erbil-Pirmam road, Khoshnaw said the design for the road expansion project had been completed and included several overpasses and U-turns. Construction will begin once the necessary budget is allocated.