Flash floods hit northern Iraq as storms sweep region

· Climate · Iraq · Iran

Deadly flash floods hit northern Iraq on Saturday as severe thunderstorms swept across the region, including neighbouring Iran. Erbil was particularly badly hit, with extensive flooding reported. Portugal also faced strong winds and Japan braced for further snowfall as the same unsettled weather patterns affected a wide area.

Why it matters:Extreme weather across several regions at once strains emergency services and underlines the growing cost of climate-related disasters.

Key points

  • Erbil in northern Iraq was particularly badly hit.
  • Severe thunderstorms also affected neighbouring Iran.
  • Portugal and Japan faced strong winds and snow.

Sources (original reporting)

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