ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Rwanga Foundation on Monday said it concluded a large-scale emergency campaign, providing urgent relief to 1,240 families affected by severe flooding in the Kurdistan Region last week.
In a statement, Rwanga highlighted that the five-day operation was driven by the organization’s “national responsibility” and involved “sustained and tireless efforts” by its 100 staff and volunteers, who successfully distributed essential supplies to the affected families.
The relief items included “100,000 square meters of rugs, 1,240 heaters, 6,200 blankets, 6,200 mattresses, 6,200 pillows, and over 2,000 units of milk and other essentials for children.” The Foundation also addressed “specific requests from families to meet individual needs beyond standard relief materials.
The Kurdistan Region and parts of Iraq experienced three consecutive days of heavy rainfall last week which triggered 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 in eastern Sulaimani province was the hardest-hit area, as two people were killed, 12 injured, 1,607 homes damaged, 200 vehicles destroyed, 115 shops and workplaces affected, and 450 projects impacted, according to the JCC.
Rwanga said Monday its relief efforts extended to Chamchamal and its subdistricts, Sulaimani’s Garmian administration, and northern Kirkuk, “ensuring equitable distribution” across all affected areas.
"We hope such incidents will not recur, and we wish for the swift restoration of normalcy to citizens' lives and for Kurdistan to remain prosperous and stable,” the Foundation concluded.
Several charities and aid organizations have also launched relief operations, especially in Chamchamal, providing essential supplies and assisting residents with cleanup and reconstruction.