Authorities have officially ended their three-month effort to find Avesta Yousuf, but her family refuses to stop. The young woman went missing in a river near Soran, north of Erbil, and her relatives remain determined to locate her. This tragic case highlights ongoing river safety concerns in Iraq.
Avesta, 27, disappeared while trying to rescue her brother during a family picnic by the Mergasor River. She jumped into the water when her brother slipped in. He survived, but she was swept away by the fast current.
Her uncle, Fakhreddin, confirmed that the family would not stop their efforts. He said the civil defense team ended its mission, but they will continue searching. He expressed gratitude to the local people and civil defense staff for their support.
On the final day of the official search, over 100 rescuers scoured the area. They used several methods to try and locate her. Authorities planned a press conference to officially close the mission and present their report.
Despite the formal end, the family will perform a funeral prayer in absentia to honor Avesta. Fakhreddin invited residents of Shanidar and surrounding villages to join the prayer. He thanked them for their patience, support, and compassion. The family also plans a funeral in Erbil, though they have not picked a date yet.
The tragedy has drawn attention again to river safety concerns in Iraq, especially during summer. Warm weather attracts many families to lakes and rivers, but these spots often prove dangerous. Local officials report multiple drownings every year.
Erbil’s Civil Defence Directorate warned about the risks tied to poor swimming ability, cold waters, and unsafe conditions. They also urged the use of life jackets and other safety gear. Many visitors, unaware of river terrain and currents, face serious threats when entering the water.
Officials encourage people to treat nature with respect and stay cautious near rivers. They also stress the need for better awareness and stronger safety measures across the Kurdistan Region.
The search for Avesta may have ended officially, but her family’s resolve shows no sign of fading. Her story leaves behind a powerful reminder of the importance of river safety concerns in Iraq.