Iraq Faces Escalating Wave of Drowning Incidents and Warnings of Summer Season Dangers

Several Iraqi governorates are facing an escalating wave of drowning incidents during the past three weeks, following heavy torrential rains that hit wide areas of the country, amid warnings of increasing danger with rising temperatures.

Unofficial statistics indicated that the death toll is approaching 30 cases, concentrated largely in the Tigris River, Euphrates River, and Diyala River.

Swimming trainer Osama Al-Atbi explained that the causes of drowning are not limited to rising water levels, but include physical fatigue and sudden muscle cramps that may affect even professional swimmers.

He warned that the current summer season may witness more incidents if strict preventive measures are not taken, calling for tightened supervision of children and preventing swimming in dangerous areas.