Flood Disaster in Erbil City: Problems and Solutions

Abstract

Several floods occurred in Erbil City in 2021 and 2022, which caused disaster in the city. 12 people died, thousands of houses and vehicles were destroyed, and numerous public projects such as electric stations and roads were damaged as well. Specifying reasons and providing suitable solutions are essential for minimizing damages. Thus, this research aimed to identify causes and offer scientific solutions for minimizing flood damage in the future. Several site visits for the locations of floods were carried out. Quantitative and qualitative data collection was conducted. Based on the catchment properties and maximum probable rainfall, the peak flood is 250, 200, 90, and 70 m³/s for Roshnbiri Bridge, Roshnbiri-Daratu Culvert, Korean Drainage Valley, and Daratu Natural Valley, respectively. Heavy rainfall, partial or full clogging of some inlets, sewers, and culverts, obstructions in watersheds, altering the direction of normal flow, technical and design problems, and disposal of waste in watersheds are the main factors contributing to the flood. Cleaning watersheds, maintaining storm sewers, providing new diversion channels, proper design of storm sewers, culverts, and bridges, eliminating barriers on the usual streams, and studying the master plans of the new projects and cities are the main solutions for minimizing flood disasters in Erbil City.