'Lifeline of Diyala' - Lake Hamrin water levels hit record highs in eastern Iraq after years of drought

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'Lifeline of Diyala' - Lake Hamrin water levels hit record highs in eastern Iraq after years of drought

"Lake Hamrin's reserves have risen to near maximum capacity in eastern Iraq's Diyala Governorate after several years of drought, marking an unprecedented rise in water levels which is now threatening some homes and shops.    Footage captured on Thursday and Saturday shows aerial views of the rising water levels approaching residents' homes, as well as the Hamrin concrete bridge and a side road where water has begun to reach both sides, as locals attempt to wade through. "This year has been a good season, and we haven't suffered from drought. Lake Hamrin is the main lifeline for the whole of Diyala, not just Hamrin. Al-Mukdadiya and the surrounding villages all depend on the lake's water," said resident Mohammed Yassin.   This marked rise in water levels is attributed to the heavy rains and flash floods that swept through the region, helping to revitalise Diyala Governorate's main water source. Whilst this has helped secure water supplies for the governorate's areas and agricultural lands, it has also caused erosion of the embankments along the strategic international road passing through the lake. "Thank God, it has filled up nicely. We call on the government, and in particular the Diyala Governorate, to take care of this lake, as it is the lifeline of Diyala," added local Walid Ahmed.  Lake Hamrin has suffered from severe drought in recent years. In 2022, the Water Resources Directorate in Diyala stated that water scarcity continues in the governorate for the second consecutive year due to low rainfall, in addition to the absence of water inflows from outside Iraq, which account for 80 per cent of Lake Hamrin’s water storage capacity."

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