Deadly flash floods hit northern Iraq after severe thunderstorms

Deadly flash floods hit northern Iraq on Saturday as severe thunderstorms swept across the region, the Guardian reported. The city of Erbil was particularly badly affected, with extensive damage reported to homes and businesses. Two people were killed in the flooding. [1]

Torrential rain fell over a short period, leaving streets in Erbil inundated, according to the Guardian. The city received an estimated 80 millimetres of rain, significantly exceeding weather forecasts that had predicted 30 millimetres. The violent storms also affected parts of neighbouring Iran. [1]

A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas, including rivers and depressions, distinguished by having fewer than six hours between rainfall and the onset of flooding. Severe thunderstorms are among the primary causes of flash floods. [2]

Elsewhere in international weather, Storm Bruna is forecast to bring strong winds to Portugal, while Japan braces for further snowfall, the Guardian reported. Severe weather had also impacted other regions in recent weeks, as FTMQ News reported earlier when heavy rain and flooding swept through shelter camps in Gaza. [1][5]