ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - UAE-based energy firm Dana Gas announced on Monday that it will donate $2 million in aid to residents affected by recent floods in the Chamchamal district of the Kurdistan Region’s eastern Sulaimani province, as part of broader efforts to mobilize support for flood victims.
Dana Gas and its affiliate Crescent Petroleum, through the Pearl Petroleum consortium, manage the appraisal, development, and production of the Khor Mor and Chamchamal gas fields in Sulaimani.
Shakir Shakir, the company’s country manager and spokesperson in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, said the company and its affiliate “took the initiative to provide a financial contribution of $2 million (approximately 2.8 billion Iraqi dinars) in support of affected families.”
In a statement shared with Rudaw, he added that the donation is being made “in full coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government [KRG] and the Ministry of Natural Resources, with the aim of alleviating the impact of this tragic disaster” and “deeply moving humanitarian tragedy that touched everyone.”
The Kurdistan Region and several parts of Iraq experienced three consecutive days of heavy rainfall beginning Monday, triggering severe flash floods.
Floodwaters swept through parts of eastern Sulaimani province on Tuesday, damaging homes and infrastructure, with Chamchamal being the hardest-hit.
According to a preliminary report from the Kurdistan Region’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC), two people were killed and 12 others injured in Chamchamal. The floods also damaged 1,607 homes, destroyed 200 vehicles, and affected 115 shops and workplaces, as well as 450 projects across the district.
Dana Gas spokesperson, Shakir, on Monday reaffirmed the company’s “commitment to continue exerting all possible and exceptional efforts to support those affected, working hand in hand with all relevant authorities to overcome this hardship, restore hope, and stand alongside the people of Chamchamal until this humanitarian crisis is fully overcome.”
Meanwhile, charities and aid groups have launched relief efforts, particularly in Chamchamal, where organizations are distributing essential supplies and assisting residents with cleanup and repairs.
In a similar initiative, Rudaw Media Network on Sunday evening launched a fundraising campaign that, as of the time of writing, has raised more than 5.9 billion Iraqi dinars - over $4.5 million - primarily from prominent Kurdish businessmen, to support flood victims.
The funds were collected through an effort spearheaded by Rudaw’s lead presenter Ranj Sangawi via his flagship program Lagal Ranj - “With Ranj” in Kurdish - and will be distributed by a specialized committee in accordance with Kurdistan Region laws and financial regulations to ensure transparency and accountability.
Rudaw and Sangawi will be transfering the funds to the Chamchamal Relief and Reconstruction Commission for distribution to eligible families in Chamchamal and other affected areas.