Search continues for Karbala child swept away in Halabja river

HALABJA, Iraq — Civil defense teams in Halabja are searching for a child from Karbala who was swept away by floodwaters in the Zalm River, a spokesperson said on the third day of the operation. Zanyar Omar, spokesperson for the Halabja Civil Defense Directorate, told the official Iraqi news agency that divers and five additional teams have intensified efforts to locate the child's body. Omar said specialized cameras are being used in the search, but fast-moving water, caves and hollows along the river are complicating the operation. The body may be trapped in one of those cavities, he added, and teams will continue searching until it is recovered. Fallen trees in the riverbed have also hindered the work, with crews cutting and removing them to make progress. Water levels in the Zalm River are higher this year due to heavy flow from the Ahmed Ava tourist area, according to Omar. He said the Ahmed Ava picnic site will remain closed on Sunday and that no decision has been made on whether it will reopen the following day. No further details were immediately available on the child's identity.