Floods hit Kurdistan region as drought leaves many Iraqis in need

Parts of northern Iraq have been hit by flooding after a year marked by drought, which many say is due to climate change likely to worsen in the coming years.
A resident reacts as she walks down a debris-filled street in the area of Daratu, on the outskirts of Erbil, after flash floods caused by torrential rains left eight people dead, Iraqi Kurdistan, Dec. 17, 2021.
A resident reacts as she walks down a debris-filled street in the area of Daratu, on the outskirts of Erbil, after flash floods caused by torrential rains left eight people dead, Iraqi Kurdistan, Dec. 17, 2021. - -/AFP via Getty Images
Shelly Kittleson.jpg
Shelly Kittleson
@shellykittleson

ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan — Muddy torrents rushed violently through some parts of the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and the surrounding area Dec. 17, smashing homes, submerging vehicles and sweeping away people.

The floods and accompanying storm left at least 12 dead, including two foreign nationals. One was reportedly killed by lightning.

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