New Acting District Governor Appointed in Chamchamal as Authorities Announce Sweeping Administrative Changes After Floods

Peregraf - Aso Bakr officially assumed office on Sunday as the new acting District Governor (Qaimaqam) of Chamchamal, replacing Ramk Ramazan, who resigned in the aftermath of the devastating floods that struck the district on December 9, as authorities announced the allocation of more than 11.5 billion Iraqi dinars (over 8.7 million USD) to support relief and compensation efforts for those affected.

Speaking at a press conference, Ata Mohammad, head of the office of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, said the recent changes would not be limited to civilian positions.

"The changes will encompass all civilian and military posts within the administrative boundaries of Chamchamal district," he stated.

According to Ata Mohammad, the floods exposed serious shortcomings in local preparedness and emergency response, prompting four senior officials to formally request relief from their duties. Those officials include the Chamchamal District Governor (Qaimaqam), the Head of Chamchamal Municipality, the Director of Chamchamal Education, and the Head of the Shoreesh Sub-district.

He added that the Director of the Shoreesh Sub-district declined to submit a resignation request. However, the official was subsequently relieved of duty by higher authorities, with the Director of the Sangaw Sub-district temporarily assigned to oversee administrative affairs in Shoreesh.

Aid Distribution Board Formed
In parallel with the administrative overhaul, authorities announced the formation of a broad oversight and aid distribution board tasked with managing flood relief efforts. The board includes local figures, civil activists, and relevant government institutions.

Ata Mohammad revealed that more than 11.5 billion Iraqi dinars (11,545,910,250 IQD) have already been deposited into a dedicated bank account to support flood victims.

"We are still awaiting additional donations from individuals and entities who have pledged to contribute," he said.

Aid distribution is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 22, starting with affected households, followed by compensation for commercial properties, damaged vehicles, and other losses. The assistance will be provided through bank checks, which beneficiaries can cash directly at banks.

Oversight and Compensation Measures
During the board’s inaugural meeting on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Judge Ahmed Anwar, head of the Kurdistan Region’s Integrity Commission, was appointed chairman of the oversight board. Prominent local figure Mariwan Karim Agha was named deputy chairman.

Judge Anwar confirmed that aid distribution to families would continue through Tuesday, after which compensation for businesses and other damages would begin. He also announced that the KRG has decided to purchase homes for the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.

"The government has also covered all medical expenses for the injured," he said, adding that additional support may be provided from remaining funds, pending board approval.

The board aims to complete the aid distribution process before the end of the year, while the donation account will remain open until that time.

Federal Compensation Pending
Regarding compensation from Baghdad, the head of the Chamchamal Relief and Revitalization Commission said all damage assessment data has been submitted to the Iraqi Council of Ministers through the Ministry of Interior.

"We are awaiting the implementation of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s directive on compensation," he noted.

While the total percentage of losses covered by the aid remains unclear, Judge Ahmed Anwar emphasized that the assistance would significantly ease the burden on affected families, even if it does not cover all damages.

Chamchamal district and the Shoreesh Sub-district were among the areas hardest hit by the recent torrential rains. Flash floods killed at least two people, injured 12 others, and caused extensive damage to dozens of homes, shops, vehicles, and government buildings.