Water reaches 40 villages in Diyala as provincial official eases drought complaints

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A member of Diyala's provincial council said water has reached around 40 villages in the Bahriz district in the south of the province, after increased releases from the Khartisan River and the removal of blockages along its course. Nizar Allahaybi said the higher water flow has now reached a large number of villages, though areas still suffering from water shortages and drought will need more time before supplies arrive. Allahaybi said the additional releases would help farmers and other residents in the villages, particularly during preparations for planting winter crops. He described the steps as a response to local demands and said they coincided with the approaching rainy season and healthy water reserves left over from last year's flooding at Lake Hamrin. The official first raised the issue of water shortages and drought effects in the affected villages on 3 August.