The Kurdistan Region has experienced heavy snow and rainfall this year, but widespread Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) water projects have helped eliminate flood risks while significantly increasing water storage capacity.
According to official data, water levels in dams have risen by around two billion cubic meters compared to previous years. Out of 125 ponds across the region, 120 have reached overflow capacity, while new pond construction continues to expand storage capacity further.
The region’s 25 dams, with a total capacity of over 9.5 billion cubic meters, currently hold around six billion cubic meters of water. Authorities say this marks a major increase compared to last year, driven by unusually heavy precipitation.
Karwan Sabah confirmed that only five ponds remain unfilled in Garmian, while 50 new ponds are under construction for future use. He added that groundwater recharge projects have also raised water levels by approximately 12 meters in some areas.
In Erbil, Governor Omed Khoshnaw said that expanded drainage systems, river channel restoration, and ongoing infrastructure works have played a key role in reducing flood risks across the city.
Agricultural officials in Mergasor also reported a sharp increase in precipitation compared to last year, with rainfall and snowfall significantly boosting water resources, revitalizing springs, and benefiting farming activity across the region.
Officials say the combination of heavy rainfall and long-term investment in dams, ponds, and drainage infrastructure has strengthened water security while protecting urban and rural areas from flooding.
