Deadly floods hit Iraq as thunderstorms sweep region
The gist
Flash floods in Erbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, killed two people after about 80mm of rain fell.
Aging drainage and past flood losses leave the region exposed to extreme weather.
How it unfolded
- Nov 6, 2026ArabiaWeather warned a widespread low-pressure system would hit nine Arab countries from Friday to Sunday with heavy thunderstorms and flash-flood risk, including Iraq and particularly the Kurdistan Region.
- Nov 7, 2026Torrential rain triggered flash floods in Erbil; floodwaters carried away vehicles and inundated homes across several areas.
- Nov 7, 2026Kurdistan Civil Defense teams across nine directorates had been on standby since Friday, with staff on leave called back and all machinery deployed.
Key terms
- Kurdistan Region
- A semi-autonomous federal region of northern Iraq comprising four Kurdish-majority governorates.
- ArabiaWeather
- A private weather company providing forecasts and weather services to consumers and businesses in the Arab world.
- Kurdistan Civil Defense
- Organized efforts by citizens or government to protect people from disasters, using prevention, preparation, response, evacuation, and recovery.
Source: Wikipedia