ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Water levels across the Kurdistan Region’s dams have surged following days of heavy rainfall, with officials confirming that the Darbandikhan dam in Sulaimani province has overflowed and several others are nearing capacity.
Hiwa Ali, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, told Rudaw on Sunday that the recent precipitation has significantly boosted water reserves across the region. “All small and medium-sized dams have overflowed,” he said.
Ali confirmed that the Darbandikhan dam, the Region's second largest following Dukan dam, is among those that have exceeded capacity. “Water is being released from the Darbandikhan Dam due to the overflow,” he stated, warning residents in vulnerable areas to exercise caution.
He specifically urged people in the Garmiyan area - particularly those living along the Sirwan River down to the Hamrin dam, as well as near waterways in the Little Zab and Taqtaq areas in Erbil's Koya district - to stay away from riverbanks and streams due to rising water levels.
Despite the surge, not all major dams have reached overflow point. Kochar Jamal, director of Dukan dam, told Rudaw, “The Dukan dam has not overflowed yet; however, the water level has risen by 17 meters since the beginning of this year, and the dam is in good condition.