Once a lifeline for thousands, the Abu Lehya River in Iraq’s southern Dhi Qar province is now drying up, leaving communities in crisis and biodiversity at risk. The river, which once supported around 60,000 people, has seen its water levels plummet due to a combination of climate change, poor water management, and excessive use.

“Abu Lehya River used to be completely full, but now drought has reached an extreme level. We are still in the winter season, and the coming days will be even worse for the residents of this district because they will be deprived of the basic necessities of life,” said Abu Hassan Musafari, an environmental activist, in an interview with Rudaw.

The river’s decline has had devastating consequences. Internal displacement, loss of livestock, and the collapse of agriculture and fishing are among the most visible impacts. Government figures reveal that since 2020, more than 10,000 families from water-dependent and marshland areas in Dhi Qar have been forced to leave their homes.

Livestock numbers have also halved in the past two years, dropping from 600,000 to 297,000, according to statistics from Dhi Qar’s veterinary hospital. Buffalo herds, a symbol of pride in southern Iraq, are in steep decline due to their dependence on large amounts of water and deep marshes.

“Climate change has had several negative consequences for this region. The first and foremost is the environmental impact, and the second is the effect on livestock,” said Dr. Ali Hammoud, director of the Dhi Qar veterinary hospital. “These changes have led to a reduction in vegetation cover, destruction of natural habitats, and a shortage of clean drinking water for animals. As a result, many livestock owners have been displaced.”

The disappearance of essential plants like reeds and bulrushes, which serve as livestock feed, has further exacerbated the crisis, leading to malnutrition and disease among animals.

In the village of al-Kurdi, the situation is dire. “Al-Kurdi is an ancient village, but people are leaving. There is almost no one left around us. The drying up of the river has caused agricultural collapse, and those who used to receive income here can no longer survive. We, too, are preparing to leave,” said Said Hashim, a resident of al-Kurdi.

Iraq is among the countries most vulnerable to water scarcity and extreme temperatures, ranking fifth globally according to the United Nations Global Environment Outlook 6 (GEO-6). The water crisis in Dhi Qar is driven by climate change, upstream dams on rivers, and mismanagement of water resources. Illegal water use, including unauthorized reservoirs for fish farming, has further strained the region’s water supply.

“We are working on removing these violations, including demolishing illegal lakes and taking legal action against violators,” said Hashim Muhaibis Qasim, director of Dhi Qar’s water resources department. “We are also implementing measures to reduce water scarcity and ensure water reaches the affected areas. Our teams are working around the clock, even at night, to monitor the water supply and ensure fair distribution.”

Just five years ago, Dhi Qar was a tourist destination known for its abundant water resources. Today, it stands on the frontline of climate change, grappling with a crisis that threatens its people, wildlife, and way of life. As the Abu Lehya River continues to dry up, the future of Dhi Qar hangs in the balance.