Two killed as flash floods inundate Erbil after intense thunderstorms
Original report:
Flash flooding killed two people in northern Iraq as severe storms also swept into neighbouring Iran, the Guardian reported on 9 November 2026. Erbil suffered extensive damage after estimated rainfall far exceeded forecasts.
Two people were killed in flash floods in northern Iraq on the Saturday preceding the Guardian’s 9 November 2026 report. Erbil was particularly badly affected, with homes and businesses sustaining extensive damage as intense rainfall submerged streets. An estimated 80mm fell in the city, against a forecast of 30mm. Severe thunderstorms also affected neighbouring Iran.
The report also outlined forecasts for hazardous weather elsewhere. Storm Bruna was expected to bring Portugal gusts of 50mph and potentially 200mm of rain by the week’s end, after affecting the Canary Islands. In Japan, further snow was forecast for Hokkaido and mountainous parts of Honshu following a cold, snowy spell.
For Erbil’s residents and businesses, the reported impact combined loss of life with widespread property damage. The estimated rainfall substantially exceeded expectations, highlighting the scale of the downpour. However, the source does not detail evacuation measures, the number of properties affected or the condition of local flood defences.
Source
the Guardian — 9 November 2026
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