Authorities in Kirkuk and Halabja provinces have declared Sunday a holiday in response to forecasts of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the region. Rising water levels and flash floods, a recurring challenge during the rainy seasons, have already resulted in one fatality and the loss of livestock in Kirkuk.

On Saturday, 31-year-old Taiba Mubarak Ahmed tragically drowned in Kirkuk’s Abbasi subdistrict. Her husband attempted to save her but was also swept away by the floodwaters before being rescued. Ahmed is survived by her three children. Additionally, the floods claimed dozens of sheep in the area, adding to the damage caused by the heavy rains that began on Friday and are expected to continue.

Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha announced a holiday for all schools and universities on Saturday evening, citing “weather reports of heavy rains.” Duhok officials are also on high alert, with civil defense spokesperson Bewar Abdulaziz urging residents to exercise caution. “Heavy rains are expected to cover the Kurdistan Region today and tomorrow [Sunday], which may cause floods,” he stated, advising people to avoid flood-prone areas and to call emergency services if needed.

Preparations are also underway in Erbil, where the municipality reported it had “taken all necessary preparations and measures for this year’s rainy and winter season.” However, authorities in Erbil have decided not to declare a holiday, with the Ministry of Higher Education allowing individual universities to make that determination.

As rainfall increases, Sulaimani authorities are still deciding whether to declare a holiday. Flooding in the region is a recurring issue, with incidents earlier this year claiming two lives in Duhok. Abdulaziz also advised residents near dams to prepare to evacuate if rains continue to intensify.