Updates: polution; hunting; animal slaughter; climate change

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KRG Health Authorities Issue
Warnings Amid Dust Storms

The Sulaymaniyah General Directorate of Health has issued a set of public health guidelines as heavy dust storms continue to affect several provinces across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, urging residents to remain indoors and take protective measures

In a public advisory, the directorate called on citizens to limit outdoor activity during the storms and to follow key precautions to protect their health. “People should wear protective masks when going outside and change them regularly,” the statement said, adding that staying indoors is highly recommended during the worst periods of the storm.

The advisory also recommended using protective glasses, applying eye drops, avoiding eye rubbing, and keeping doors and windows tightly shut. Residents were also urged to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, particularly amid rising temperatures.

Drivers were advised to keep car windows closed and use extra caution on the roads. The traffic police department also warned motorists to slow down and remain alert to prevent accidents due to low visibility.

Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions were advised to use prescribed inhalers or oxygen therapy under medical supervision.

The warnings come as intense dust storms have swept through multiple provinces in recent days. In the disputed Kurdish province of Kirkuk, at least 40 people were hospitalized due to respiratory issues linked to the storm, according to a source from the Kirkuk Health Directorate.

“Most of the cases were reported in Daquq district, where 24 individuals were treated for asthma-related complications,” said a spokesperson for the Kirkuk provincial health department. He warned that the number of patients could rise in the coming hours as the storm continues.

Dust storms, which are common in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, frequently disrupt daily life and pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/882755

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Third Cooperative Pond Project

Breaks Ground in Duhok

The Kurdistan Government (KRG) has begun constructing a third cooperative pond in the village of Kani Chenarka, located in the Sarsang district near Amedi, a move officials say will strengthen local agriculture and water management efforts

Karwan Sabah Hawrami, Director General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, announced the project on Monday in a statement on his personal Facebook account. He called the new pond “another gift of the Kurdistan Government’s ninth cabinet,” and praised Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for allocating 1.5 billion Iraqi dinars to support the cooperative funds.

“Fortunately, in Amedi district in Sarsang, in the presence of the mayor, irrigation officials, representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP), and local farmers, the construction of the cooperative pond has begun,” Hawrami said.

The project marks the third of its kind developed under a cooperative model, which allows residents to work alongside the government in constructing water storage infrastructure. The approach aims to reduce bureaucracy, lower costs, and accelerate implementation without heavily straining the public budget. Hawrami emphasized that if villagers across the Kurdistan Region are willing to contribute to building such ponds, the government is ready to support them.

He also credited the WFP for its financial and technical assistance in the project.

The initiative is part of a broader water resource strategy by the KRG’s ninth cabinet, which has made irrigation and sustainable water management a key priority amid growing concerns over climate change and drought in the region. Kurdistan has been grappling with reduced rainfall and increased water scarcity in recent years, prompting the government to pursue localized solutions that involve public participation and international cooperation.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/882782

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Drought Displaces 10,000 Families

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Severe drought conditions have forced nearly 10,000 families to flee their homes in Iraq’s southern Dhi Qar province, leaving entire villages abandoned and livelihoods destroyed, according to local residents and officials

In exclusive remarks to Kurdistan24, residents described the scale of the disaster. “Everyone has left—no one remains here,” said one Dhi Qar villager. “All the people in our area have moved out. There’s nothing left, not even the most basic necessities of life. In the village behind mine, only two families remain out of what used to be seventy.”

Another resident, wrapped in a wool cloak to shield against dust, shared his hardship: “I’ve lost everything. I’m living in ruin. The drought dried up our wells and reservoirs, and the water we did have became contaminated. One of our young children fell seriously ill due to the water shortage.”

The humanitarian crisis has been brewing for years, but it has now reached a critical tipping point. Haider Saadi, the official in charge of the displacement and drought file in Dhi Qar, told Kurdistan24 that the crisis has overwhelmed both the provincial and federal governments. “Desertification and drought have become an unbearable burden on the local and central governments,” Saadi said. “Nearly 10,000 families have abandoned their homes due to these extreme conditions. Compared to other provinces, this is a staggering number. The threat of mass displacement is now an immediate and growing danger.”

Dhi Qar’s Struggle with Climate and Neglect

Dhi Qar, a historically agricultural province in southern Iraq, has long suffered from mismanagement, water scarcity, and the broader effects of climate change. Once known for its fertile lands and thriving marshes, the region has witnessed a dramatic decline in water levels due to upstream damming on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, irregular rainfall, and extreme summer temperatures—often exceeding 50°C.

For years, experts have warned that Iraq is among the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. According to the UN, more than 39% of Iraq's agricultural land is experiencing desertification. The effects are most pronounced in southern provinces like Dhi Qar, where subsistence farmers and livestock herders depend heavily on groundwater and traditional irrigation methods.

Successive Iraqi governments have been criticized for failing to invest in water infrastructure, diversify livelihoods, or support climate adaptation. Without urgent action, experts warn, climate-driven displacement could destabilize large parts of the country and exacerbate social and economic tensions.

Humanitarian Concerns Grow

The situation in Dhi Qar has triggered calls for immediate intervention from humanitarian organizations. Aid groups have noted a growing number of families seeking shelter in nearby urban centers or attempting to relocate to northern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, which still offers relatively more stable conditions.

“This is not just an environmental crisis—it’s a human one,” said a spokesperson for a regional NGO. “Children are sick, families are homeless, and an entire way of life is vanishing.”

A Ticking Clock

Unless national and international actors respond with swift and targeted support—including emergency water relief, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and drought resilience programs—the exodus from Dhi Qar may soon be repeated in other parts of Iraq.

For now, the abandoned villages of southern Iraq stand as a warning: in the age of climate change, the human cost of environmental neglect is no longer a distant threat—it is already here.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... -emergency

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Iraq’s Water Crisis Hits 80-Year Low

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iraq is facing its most severe water shortage in the last 80 years due to a combination of climate change, declining rainfall, and increased upstream water consumption by neighboring countries, an Iraqi official warned on Wednesday

Khalid Shamal, spokesperson for Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources, described the situation as “shameful and alarming,” attributing the dramatic drop in water flow to three consecutive years of drought and rising temperatures. “This is not limited to Iraq,” Shamal noted, “but extends to upstream countries that control Iraq’s water sources.”

Speaking to the media, Shamal said Iraq is now recording the lowest water inflows since record-keeping began eight decades ago. “That’s why we need a concerted effort from all stakeholders to overcome this crisis,” he stressed.

Strategic Plan to Address the Crisis

The Ministry of Water Resources has adopted a three-pronged strategy to confront the escalating water crisis. According to Shamal, the first step involves enhancing cooperation with neighboring upstream countries—Turkey, Iran, and Syria—many of which are building dams and diverting water supplies that feed into Iraq’s Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

The spokesperson emphasized the need for a “just and fair share of water” for Iraq, pointing out that over 70% of the country’s water comes from external sources. He added that Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani is personally overseeing water negotiations, reflecting the government’s prioritization of the issue.

“This has already led to agreements and ongoing talks with Turkey,” Shamal revealed, noting that both the Water Minister and Prime Minister have made visits to Ankara to discuss shared water resources.

In a related development, Prime Minister Sudani arrived in Ankara on Thursday for an official visit, during which he is scheduled to meet with top Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. At the top of the agenda is Iraq’s water share from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Agricultural Reform at the Heart of the Solution

Shamal also underscored the government’s internal efforts to improve water management through agricultural reform. These efforts include upgrading irrigation systems, introducing modern farming techniques, and reducing water-intensive crops. The government is drafting a national agricultural identity system to monitor and manage water use per farmer and per region more effectively.

“More than 80% of Iraq’s water consumption is in the agricultural sector,” Shamal stated, “so improving efficiency here will have the greatest impact on overall water use.”

Cracking Down on Illegal Use and Water Theft

As part of a third strategic focus, the ministry is intensifying inspections and enforcement against illegal water usage, pollution, and encroachment on protected wetlands and rivers. “These violations have led to ecological disasters and disrupted fair distribution,” Shamal warned, “whether it’s a province, a water unit, a farm, or an individual taking more than their share.”

The government aims to implement better monitoring systems and stricter penalties for those who illegally divert or misuse water.

Iraq, once a water-rich cradle of civilization, now ranks among the world’s most water-stressed nations. Decades of mismanagement, war, and poor infrastructure have compounded the impact of external factors like dam construction in Turkey and Iran. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, lifelines for millions of Iraqis, have been reduced to narrow streams in many places, devastating farmland and threatening food security.

The water crisis is not only a humanitarian and environmental issue but also a source of potential regional tension, as competing demands over shared water resources grow.

Iraq’s leadership is now under increasing pressure to secure water rights through diplomacy, reform agricultural policy, and crack down on water theft—all while adapting to the looming specter of climate change.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... l-disputes

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24-Hour Electricity Project
Promises Regionwide Rollout by 2026

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday visited the city of Duhok to monitor the implementation of the “Runaki” national electricity project, which delivers 24-hour power to residents. The prime minister pledged to extend the initiative across the entire Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026

During a visit to the Beroshke neighborhood in Duhok, Barzani toured homes, bakeries, shops, and other local businesses that are already receiving uninterrupted electricity through the project. He spoke directly with residents and listened to their feedback, many of whom expressed satisfaction and gratitude for the improved services.

This is not a test project. It is a national service that will continue to expand,” Barzani stated during a press briefing. “Our goal is for every governorate, district, town, and village in the Kurdistan Region to benefit from 24-hour electricity by the end of 2026.”

The prime minister emphasized that while the project began in city centers, it will soon reach rural areas. He also called on citizens to avoid overconsumption and use electricity according to their actual needs, underscoring the importance of public cooperation to maintain and extend government services.

Barzani affirmed that electricity prices under the new system would remain affordable and, for most households, lower than the combined cost of private generators and inconsistent national supply.

As of now, over 600,000 citizens are benefiting from the initiative, with the government expecting to reach one million beneficiaries by the end of May. All city centers are projected to have round-the-clock electricity by the end of this year, with complete coverage of the Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.

The KRG also announced upcoming facilitation measures to help citizens adapt to the new system and ensure long-term sustainability.

For years, the Kurdistan Region has suffered from power shortages caused by outdated infrastructure, political deadlock with the federal government in Baghdad, and reliance on expensive, polluting private generators. The Roonakî initiative is a cornerstone of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) strategy to centralize and modernize the energy sector, reduce dependency on stopgap solutions, and improve public services for all citizens.

Link to Article - Photos:

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... ut-by-2026

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Importance of Runaki Project
Urges Responsible Electricity Use

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Runaki project stands as one of the most important national and strategic initiatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), according to government spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani, who addressed Kurdistan24 on Wednesday

Speaking about the significance of the project, Hawramani said the Runaki initiative directly benefits citizens and represents a critical step toward energy sustainability. However, he emphasized that public cooperation is essential. “It is important for citizens to learn how to use electricity responsibly,” he stated.

Regarding the cost of accessing 24-hour electricity through the Runaki project, Hawramani noted that the majority of stakeholders are satisfied with the pricing structure. “Most of the stakeholders in the Runaki project are satisfied with the price and do not criticize it,” he said. To ease the financial transition for the public, the KRG will subsidize the project for three months.

As part of this support, citizens will receive a 50% discount in the first month, followed by a 25% discount in the second month and a 15% discount in the third month. Hawramani explained that this tiered approach is designed to help residents gradually adapt to the new pricing system.

Reaffirming the government’s full backing, he said, “The KRG will continue to support the Runaki project.”

Hawramani also revealed that Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is scheduled to make an official visit to the United States soon, during which he will hold a series of high-level meetings focused on advancing the region’s political and economic interests.

The remarks underscore the KRG’s commitment to energy reform, financial rights, and regional peace-building, as well as its ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with international partners.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... ricity-use

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Iraq’s Water Reserves Drop
to Lowest Level in 80 Years

Iraq is grappling with its lowest water reserves in 80 years, a senior official warned on Saturday, citing a combination of declining river inflows, minimal rainfall, and climate-driven environmental challenges

Khaled Shamal, spokesperson for Iraq’s Water Resources Ministry, said the country is entering the critical summer season with only around 10 billion cubic meters of water — far below the 18 billion cubic meters typically needed to meet agricultural and domestic demands.

“We’re witnessing a level of water scarcity we haven’t seen in nearly a century,” Shamal told AFP, attributing the crisis primarily to reduced flows from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Iraq, home to 46 million people, has seen its share of water from the two rivers plummet to below 40 percent of expected levels.

Shamal said low rainfall during the past winter and limited snowmelt from upstream countries have further exacerbated the crisis.

The Tigris and Euphrates, lifelines for Iraq’s agriculture and drinking water for thousands of years, have seen their volumes severely diminished in recent decades. Iraqi officials have long blamed upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran for choking off water supplies.

The water shortage is already taking a toll on Iraqi farmers, many of whom have abandoned their land due to insufficient irrigation. To prioritize drinking water supplies, the government has imposed severe limits on agricultural activity.

Despite the dire situation, Iraq is attempting to maintain cultivation of more than 375,000 hectares of green space and productive farmland this year. Authorities have approved the planting of around 2.5 million dunams of crops including corn, rice, and orchards.

Water has become a growing point of contention between Iraq and Turkey. While Ankara has encouraged Baghdad to improve water management practices, both countries recently signed a 10-year cooperation agreement aimed at developing joint projects to improve water resource management.

The United Nations ranks Iraq among the five countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, warning that intensifying droughts, rising temperatures, and erratic weather patterns could threaten the country's long-term water security.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/884625

[Anthea]

7,000 Generators to Be Shut Down

Kurdistan Government (KRG) has announced that nearly 7,000 neighborhood generators will be shut down as part of its flagship Runaki project, aimed at delivering uninterrupted 24-hour electricity across the Region by the end of 2026

So far, 1,260 generators have been decommissioned in the provinces of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok—accounting for 17% of the total number. According to KRG data, 1,092 generators were shut down in Erbil, 79 in Sulaymaniyah, and 89 in Duhok.

The government says this step has already led to a reduction of 240,000 tons of toxic carbon dioxide emissions annually—equivalent to removing as many as 250,000 vehicles from the roads. Once fully implemented, Project Runaki is expected to cut carbon emissions by 1.4 million tons each year, equal to eliminating 1.3 million cars and reducing the Region’s overall CO₂ emission rate by 4%.

The generators, long used to fill gaps in the electricity supply, were identified as major contributors to air, noise, and soil pollution. Their shutdown is seen as a critical step toward environmental and public health improvements. “Runaki has stopped the dumping of used oil and wastewater into the soil, saved over one million cubic meters of cooling water, and significantly reduced noise levels that previously exceeded legal limits by up to 100%,” the KRG stated.

To support the transition, generator owners have signed contracts with the government to keep their units as backup only, while continuing to receive monthly compensation. Citizens in areas served by Runaki now receive power directly through the new system, and 80% of households reportedly pay less than before. Many low-income families had previously spent up to 30% of their monthly income on generator fees.

More than one million people now have access to 24-hour electricity under the Runaki initiative. Aziz Ahmed, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, announced that dozens of neighborhoods in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok have recently moved to round-the-clock power, bringing the share of the population with uninterrupted electricity to 15%.

All homes and businesses inside Erbil’s 120-meter Ring Road are now fully powered. Gated communities throughout the Region, many of which already had steady power, are also being integrated into the new system.

The KRG says the project not only improves daily life but also removes fuel-storage risks in residential areas and frees land previously occupied by large, noisy generators. Full implementation is set to cover all major cities by the end of 2025 and the entire Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/885670

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Erbil’s Muslims reluctant
to slaughter animals for Eid

The confirmation of several cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in the Kurdistan Region has led many Muslims in Erbil to refrain from buying animals for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. Additionally, the Iraqi government's recent decision to halt salary payments to the Region’s civil servants has made it financially impossible for many families to afford the ritual

This barbaric ritual should never have been allowed in Kurdistan in the first place

Shaban Majid has been trading with livestock for decades. He told Rudaw on Wednesday that the spread of Congo fever and Baghdad’s decision to cut Erbil’s federal budget share are the main reasons behind the lack of activity in the business.

“Animals are in abundance, but no one is buying them,” Majid added.

He lamented that last year he sold at least 16 animals ahead of Eid al-Adha but has yet to sell any this year.

Each year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims worldwide commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) devotion to God by sacrificing a goat, sheep, cow or camel - symbolizing his readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael).

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) health ministry has confirmed five cases of CCHF so far, with the last one being reported on Tuesday. It has also instructed people not to slaughter animals at home.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/04062025

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KRG Allocates Additional Funds
to Tackle Water Shortages in Erbil

The Kurdistan Government (KRG) has allocated an additional two billion Iraqi dinars this month to address ongoing water shortages in Erbil province

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, in a press conference on Thursday, stated that the funding—approved by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani—will be used as part of emergency measures to accelerate water-related projects.

The announcement followed a meeting of relevant authorities chaired by the governor. The meeting focused on evaluating current projects, reviewing progress, and planning future steps to resolve water issues across the province.

Governor Khoshnaw highlighted key water projects launched in recent years under the directive of Prime Minister Barzani, emphasizing their critical role in improving access to clean water and restoring groundwater levels.

One of the main projects discussed was the Erbil Emergency Water Project. According to the governor, 78% of the overall project has been completed, while 90% of the work connecting the project to the local water networks in the city is finished. He also provided updates on the Qushtapa water project and surrounding areas.

“These projects are vital to securing water for Erbil residents,” said Governor Khoshnaw. “We are seeing real progress, and most of the water problems in the province will be resolved soon.”

The governor also addressed the need for consistent electricity to power water wells, especially in areas experiencing shortages. He stressed that neighborhoods lacking 24-hour electricity should receive immediate attention to maintain water supply.

Governor Khoshnaw reiterated that the allocated budget will remain in place until the completion of the emergency water project. He urged all relevant departments to act swiftly and take the necessary measures to reduce the water crisis.

“There should be no water shortage in Erbil,” he stated firmly. “With the continued support of the Prime Minister, we are committed to solving this issue as soon as possible.”

In September 2024, Prime Minister Barzani laid the foundation stone of the Erbil Emergency Water Project. Once completed, the project will pump clean water from the Great Zab River to Erbil through a modern pipeline system. It is expected to significantly improve water access for the city’s growing population and reduce dependence on tankers and underground wells.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/886201