MESOP MIDEAST WATCH : Kurdistan – Iraq – KRG Forms Committee to Investigate Man-Made Causes of Recent Floods

19-12-2021 ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Sunday launched an extensive investigation to determine the possible man-made causes of the recent floods in the capital Erbil.

The investigation team, led by Deputy Governor Hemin Qader, was formed at the order of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani who held an extraordinary meeting with Erbil officials hours of the deadly floods last Friday.

Previous reports said construction and housing projects on the outskirt of Erbil have possibly violated flood control channels and, consequently, contributed to the increase of flood incidents.

During his visit to the affected areas on Friday, PM Barzani pledged to address the issue and face anyone responsible with justice. He also promised to compensate the families who lost properties during the natural disaster.

Deputy Governor Hemin Qader told BasNews on Sunday that the investigative committee has already visited Qushtappa, one of the worst-affected districts. He stated that experts are studying the possible causes, and future plans will address any violations made on public properties.

According to Qader, 12 people died in the floods and two of them are still missing.