Villagers in Sulaimani’s Garmiyan region are facing a deepening water crisis. Drought and extreme heat have made daily life nearly unbearable. Residents are leaving their homes as water becomes scarcer each day.
The water crisis in Sulaimani has devastated small communities. In Bnaka Khapakwera village, Khalaf Mohammed was forced to sell his livestock. He also left his home because water was no longer available. “Because of the water shortage, people can no longer work,” he said. “They are only struggling to survive and avoid dying of thirst.”
Khalaf now walks more than six kilometers multiple times daily to find clean drinking water. His story reflects a growing tragedy in Garmiyan, where basic needs are no longer met.
The crisis has already pushed five families to leave Bnaka Khapakwera. Only about 20 families remain, but they too are preparing to move. As summer continues, the heat worsens and water becomes even harder to find.
A major reason behind the shortage is the drop in water flow from across the border. Water that once flowed into Dukan Lake has been reduced sharply. This lake was once a beautiful tourist spot. Now, its water level has fallen drastically, and its shores are drying up.
The water crisis in Sulaimani is not limited to one village. Across Garmiyan, more communities are at risk. Crops are failing, animals are dying, and people are fleeing. The lack of water has changed everything, from farming to family life.
Water tankers sometimes arrive with limited supplies, but they are not dependable. Wells are drying out. Villagers are left with no choice but to search far and wide for water. Daily life has become a struggle for survival.
This crisis has also highlighted deeper environmental issues. Rising temperatures, less rainfall, and mismanaged water supplies all contribute to the problem. Without strong action, this situation will grow worse.
Authorities need to act quickly. Solutions include improved water management, agreements with neighboring countries, and better local infrastructure. If help does not arrive soon, many more villages could be abandoned.
The water crisis in Sulaimani continues to worsen. People cannot live without water. Their future depends on finding a way to survive the growing drought.