Schools and offices were shut as severe flooding overwhelmed infrastructure in cities such as Baghdad. There were reports of water being up to some windows of homes amid downpours.
The rain, which started on Thursday, is expected to continue through the week, with forecasts predicting a drop in temperature. The Meteorological Authority said that the weather on Monday may be clear or partly cloudy in the central and northern regions, with a chance of rain and thunder.
It will probably be cloudy in the southern parts with a chance of light rains. Temperatures will drop in the central and northern areas.
The day off for schools and most government offices, except health and municipality, aims to minimise the risk of accidents, safeguard public safety and allow emergency services to cope with widespread flooding. Videos on social media showed severe flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods where roads were severely flooded and vehicles abandoned. Residents were seen wading through water, attempting to rescue belongings.
Municipality workers struggled to clear blocked drains and remove water from the streets. Some neighbourhoods faced power cuts.
The National Centre for Crisis and Catastrophe Management is assisting with evacuations, the clearing of roads and unblocking of drains. It has asked residents in the most affected areas to leave and has set up temporary shelters.
Reader Comments
to our Newsletter