Powerful flash floods submerge major highway in Iraq
Flash floods have swept through villages around Tuz Khurmatu in northeastern Iraq, submerging sections of a major road linking Baghdad and Kirkuk and disrupting traffic.
The flooding occurred on Friday after heavy rainfall sent muddy water across the Tuz ring road, leaving vehicles stranded and forcing authorities to close the route.
"Since the morning, we came while driving our vehicles, and the torrents began flowing from the northern side. Unfortunately, a driver tried to cross, and the floods swept him away and his vehicle sank in the water. This happened last year, and it has happened again this year. This bridge was inaugurated recently, and we had barely begun using it," said resident Burhan Ahmed.
Ahmed also highlighted the importance of the damaged road for trucks transporting goods between northern and southern Iraq, warning that the disruption could affect local livelihoods.
Another resident, Mustafa Youssef, expressed frustration over the repeated flooding and its financial impact.
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"How long will we remain like this?" asked Youssef. "I am standing here now without work, and I have rent and debts on my shoulders. I was disrupted because of this ring road, and people have lost their property because of these floods."
According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the General Traffic Directorate announced the closure of the Tuz ring road on Friday due to flooding and urged heavy goods vehicle drivers to use alternative routes for their safety.
The Iraqi Meteorological Authority had warned a day earlier of possible flash floods and inland flooding due to unstable weather conditions.
The agency also forecast thunderstorms and temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius in four provinces over the following days.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
