In a devastating incident, a massive fire erupted in a residential building in the independent administration of Soran, claiming the lives of 14 people, including students and a university professor. The tragedy unfolded yesterday evening, leaving a community in mourning and authorities scrambling to understand the causes of the deadly blaze.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has swiftly responded to the crisis, expressing its readiness to assist the victims. Dr. Wael Hatahet, the coordinator of the WHO in Iraq, reached out to the Minister of Health in the Kurdistan Regional Government to convey their condolences and offer support in treating the wounded.

Dr. Hatahet expressed deep sympathy for the families affected by the Soran fire incident and affirmed the WHO's commitment to providing essential medical supplies for the treatment of the injured.

In a joint statement, Kurdistan Regional Government Health Minister Saman Barzanji thanked Dr. Wael Hatahet and the World Health Organization for their prompt response. Both parties expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.

The tragic incident has left a profound impact on the community, with the building housing multiple families and university students. Preliminary reports from Soran Health Director Kamran Mala Mohammed indicate that 14 lives were lost, and several others sustained injuries, including six members of the civil defense who were involved in rescue efforts.

Emergency and civil defense teams swiftly arrived at the scene to combat the flames and rescue residents. While the exact causes of the fire remain unknown, authorities are conducting investigations to determine the circumstances leading to this devastating tragedy.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the Soran fire, the World Health Organization's commitment to providing assistance offers a glimmer of hope amid the sorrow and grief.