Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Last night's severe weather conditions in Erbil have led to multiple fires and a tragic fatality, confirmed Shakhawan Jaf, the spokesperson for the Erbil Fire Brigade.

On Sunday night, an abrupt weather change brought heavy thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and rain to Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan Region. The lightning strikes caused fires in several locations including Grdjutiar, Pirmam Road, Grd Mala Village, and Daratu, which the fire brigade managed to bring under control. However, fires in Kirkuk Road area, Qupaqran, and Bnaslawa are still being tackled.

In a statement, Jaf assured the public that updates on the damages caused by the lightning-induced fires would be provided shortly.

Tragically, the severe weather claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy, Sherko Naman, from Qurichai village in Kifri district, part of the Garmian Administration. According to Dr. Saman Sartip, manager of Khalid Martyr General Hospital, the boy was struck by lightning and died instantly. His body has been transferred to the hospital's autopsy department for further examination.

This incident marks the third lightning-related death in the region in the past month. On May 6, a 31-year-old shepherd was killed by lightning in Abadati village near the Kirkuk border. The following day, on May 7, lightning struck three students on New Hawler Avenue in Erbil, resulting in one fatality.

The rapid weather change and the resultant fatalities highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and preparedness for such natural events in the region.