Iraq dedicates over $1 million to Kurdistan Region to prevent floods

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi government decided on Tuesday to dedicate two billion dinars ($1.3 million) to go towards flood prevention in the Kurdistan Region following Friday’s deadly flooding in the capital city of Erbil, according to the Iraqi communications minister. 

Arkan al-Shaibani said in a press conference that the Iraqi government convened on Tuesday and approved the dedication of the amount to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) “to fight floods,” adding that the money will be spent from 2021’s emergency funds. 

Floods hit several southeastern neighbourhoods and sub-districts in Erbil province early Friday, killing 12 people, including foreigners.

Sasan Awni, KRG’s Municipality and Tourism Minister, said on Monday that nearly 3,000 houses were affected and over 400 of them were completely destroyed. He added that the government needs over $14 million to compensate for the losses.

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw said in a statement late Tuesday that they "totally reject" the amount dedicated by Iraqi government because it does not meet their expectations. 

He called on Baghdad to revise the decision and increase the amount. 

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani allocated one billion Iraqi dinars ($685,000) to the affected people. The money is being spent through the Rwanga Foundation.

This is the second wave of flooding in Erbil city this year, with the first one in late October mostly causing material damage. The Iraqi government spent $2 million for the compensation for the victims. 

Updated at 10:15 with Omed Khoshnaw's statement