Emergency teams in Iraq's southern Muthanna province have recovered several bodies from the Tigris River during a two-week search operation for a young man who drowned, highlighting a recurring seasonal tragedy.

The intensive search was launched for Hussein Bassim, who drowned in the river near Samawah two weeks ago. Despite continuous efforts by civil defense, emergency services, and volunteers, Bassim has not yet been found.

However, the operation has led to the grim discovery of other drowning victims. Witnesses and The New Region's correspondent at the scene reported that the teams have pulled at least five other bodies from the river during the search. Most recently, the body of a woman was recovered late on Sunday.

Drowning incidents are a common occurrence in Iraq, particularly during the scorching summer months when high temperatures frequently drive people to swim in rivers and other bodies of water to find relief. The southern regions of the country, which experience extreme heat, are often the most affected.

According to a World Life Expectancy report citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, drowning accounts for 0.45 percent of all deaths in Iraq. The figures indicate that in 2020 alone, over 650 people lost their lives to drowning in the country.

The ongoing search for Hussein Bassim continues as authorities reiterate warnings about the dangers of swimming in unsafe conditions.