Erbil authorities close schools amid possible flooding

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Erbil governor’s office said late Friday that schools will be closed on the following day as the ongoing heavy rains are expected to cause flooding in the province despite preventive measures taken by local authorities. 

Heavy rains began in many parts of the Kurdistan Region, especially in the capital city of Erbil, causing an increase in water levels on the streets and in some neighbourhoods. The rain storm is expected to continue on Saturday as well. 

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw’s office said in a statement late Friday that they have decided to close public and private schools in the province on Saturday “in order to ensure the safety of teachers and students as well as reducing movement of vehicles.”  

Erbil municipality’s teams have been cleaning sewers since Thursday to prevent flooding. 

Governor Khoshnaw told reporters late Friday that they had not recorded any floods in the province, but said that water level had increased in some areas. He noted that all measures have been taken to prevent flooding.

Soran Administration, which is part of Erbil province, also decided to close schools on Saturday.  

Floods hit Erbil city in December last year and the following month, with the former one causing the death of several people.