ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Donations collected through Rudaw’s fundraiser to support flood-affected families in the Kurdistan Region’s eastern Sulaimani province reached nearly 7 billion Iraqi dinars - more than $5.3 million - in less than three days.
The Kurdistan Region and parts of Iraq experienced three consecutive days of heavy rainfall last week, triggering severe flash floods. A preliminary report from the Kurdistan Region’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC) indicated at least five fatalities, 19 injuries, and damage to 2,225 homes across the Region and Kirkuk province.
Chamchamal district, located in western Sulaimani province, was the hardest-hit area, with two people killed and 12 others injured. According to the JCC, some 1,607 homes were also damaged, 200 vehicles destroyed, 115 shops and workplaces affected and 450 projects impacted.
Renowned Kurdish media personality and Rudaw’s lead presenter Ranj Sangawi on Sunday launched a fundraising campaign through his flagship program Lagal Ranj - “With Ranj” in Kurdish. Opening the broadcast, Sangawi told viewers, “Today’s program is not With Ranj, but rather With the People.”
In the first two hours of the drive, donations - mainly from Kurdish businessmen - surpassed 5.8 billion Iraqi dinars, or more than $4.4 million.
The effort sparked a strong public response, with viewers urging the program to continue beyond its scheduled airtime. At their request, Sangawi returned to the studio to extend the live broadcast. Since Sunday, additional contributions have brought the total to nearly 7 billion dinars - more than $5.3 million.
Rudaw and Sangawi will transfer the funds to the Chamchamal Relief and Reconstruction Commission for distribution to eligible families in Chamchamal and other affected areas. A specialized committee will oversee the distribution in accordance with Kurdistan Region laws and financial regulations to ensure transparency and accountability.
In a similar initiative, the UAE-based energy firm Dana Gas announced on Monday that it will donate $2 million in aid to residents affected by the floods.
Dana Gas and its affiliate, Crescent Petroleum, operating under the Pearl Petroleum consortium, oversee the appraisal, development, and production of the Khor Mor and Chamchamal gas fields in Sulaimani province.
Several charities and aid organizations have also launched relief operations, particularly in Chamchamal, providing essential supplies and assisting residents with cleanup and reconstruction.
The Erbil-based Rwanga Foundation said on Monday that it concluded a large-scale emergency campaign, providing urgent relief to 1,240 families affected by the severe flooding in the Kurdistan Region last week.
Relief items included “100,000 square meters of rugs, 1,240 heaters, 6,200 blankets, 6,200 mattresses, 6,200 pillows, and more than 2,000 units of milk and other essentials for children,” among other supplies.