Fourth Day of Search Underway for Missing Man in Sirwan River Amid Surge in Drownings
Peregraf — Civil defense teams in the Garmiyan Administration are continuing for a fourth consecutive day to search for the body of a young man who drowned in the Sirwan River, as authorities warn of a sharp increase in drowning incidents across the Kurdistan Region.
According to local officials, the young man drowned on June 17 while fishing in the Sirwan River. Rescue teams have been searching for his body since the incident.
Jalal Sheikh Nuri, supervisor of the Garmiyan Administration, said authorities have taken the unusual step of requesting a temporary reduction in water flow from the Darbandikhan Dam to assist search operations.
“The General Directorate of Dams responded to our request, and water releases from the dam have been halted since yesterday afternoon to facilitate the search,” Nuri told reporters.
The incident comes amid a growing number of drowning accidents across the Kurdistan Region. According to a Peregraf review, more than 25 people have drowned this year in rivers, lakes, dams, and tourist sites across the region.
On Friday alone, two young men reportedly drowned in separate incidents in the Sharbazher and Bazian areas of Sulaymaniyah Governorate.
Officials Renew Safety Warnings
Nuri said local authorities have repeatedly urged residents to avoid swimming in dangerous areas, particularly those who are not trained swimmers.
“In the past, we have appealed to citizens, especially those who do not know how to swim, not to go near the Sirwan River and not to enter the water,” he said. “Unfortunately, citizens are not adhering to the guidelines as required.”
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Interior has also issued public safety advisories, urging residents and tourists not to swim in dangerous or unsuitable locations.
“Please do not swim in dangerous and unsuitable locations, and do not put your lives at risk,” the ministry said in a recent statement.
Ruqyya’s Death Prompted National Attention
The rise in drowning incidents has drawn heightened public attention following the widely followed search for Ruqyya, an 11-year-old girl from Karbala who drowned earlier this month while visiting the Kurdistan Region with her family.
Ruqyya disappeared on June 9 after falling into the waters of the Zalm spring near Halabja. Her disappearance triggered a large-scale search operation involving local authorities, rescue teams, and volunteers.
After days of searching, rescue teams recovered her body on June 17. Her remains were returned to Karbala the following day in a formal ceremony attended by officials and residents.
The efforts of the people and authorities of Halabja received widespread praise across Iraq and generated an outpouring of sympathy on social media.
On June 18, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani issued a statement expressing appreciation for those who participated in the search while also warning about the growing number of drowning accidents.
“Unfortunately, during this period, tragic drowning incidents and disasters have increased,” Barzani said. “The relevant government authorities must tighten necessary safety measures and guidelines in tourist areas, especially near rivers, dams, and water sources.”
He also urged citizens and tourists to follow safety instructions and prioritize the safety of their families.
Karbala Honors Halabja
The response to Ruqyya’s death also prompted a symbolic gesture from authorities in Karbala.
Karbala Governor Nassif Jassim al-Khattabi recently announced that one of the city’s main streets will be renamed “Halabja Street” in recognition of the efforts and solidarity shown by the people of Halabja during the search operation.
Officials described the decision as a tribute to the humanitarian response demonstrated by residents of the Kurdish city and a symbol of solidarity between Iraq’s provinces.
As search efforts continue in Garmiyan, authorities are once again urging the public to exercise caution around rivers and reservoirs as temperatures rise and more families visit recreational areas during the summer months.