ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Recent flash floods have devastated fish farms in the southeastern town of Taq Taq in Erbil province, killing more than 750,000 fish and dealing a heavy blow to local livelihoods.
Khalil Salim, a fish farm owner, said the floods have completely destroyed his business, which was his family’s sole source of income.
“I have lost 100 million dinars (over $76,000) in damages,” Salim told Rudaw on Friday, adding that the floods on December 9 wiped out all of his fish. “There is nothing left but mud.”
In response to the disaster, authorities in the Taq Taq municipality formed a committee to assess the extent of the damage. However, farmers say they have yet to see any concrete steps from the government toward compensation.
“Based on data collected by the damage assessment committee, 250 fish farms were affected by the flooding, washing away more than 750,000 fish,” said Sabah Osman, head of the agriculture department in Taq Taq.
He added that some of the fish weighed over three kilograms and were ready for sale in local markets.
Farmers warn that without government compensation, they will be unable to resume their operations due to the high costs of repairing damaged ponds and restocking fish.
More than two weeks ago, the Kurdistan Region and parts of Iraq experienced three consecutive days of heavy rainfall, triggering widespread flash floods.
According to the Kurdistan Region’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC), the floods caused at least five deaths, injured 19 people, and damaged more than 2,200 homes across the Kurdistan Region and neighboring Kirkuk province.
The Chamchamal district in western Sulaimani province was the hardest hit. Two people were killed and 12 others injured, while around 1,607 homes sustained damage. The JCC also reported the destruction of around 200 vehicles, damage to 115 shops and workplaces, and losses at 450 public and private projects.
Weather expert Mohammad Kamal has said another wave of rainfall is expected to affect the Kurdistan Region between December 27 and January 2. However, he reassured residents that the upcoming precipitation is not expected to pose a flooding risk.
“There will be no risk of flooding,” Kamal said.
Kurdistan Region authorities have urged residents, particularly those in low-lying and mountainous areas, to remain cautious and stay informed through official weather updates.