The Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) has mobilized a major relief operation in Chamchamal and its surrounding sub-districts following severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall earlier this month, the organization announced.

The floods, which struck as part of a wider wave of severe weather across the Kurdistan Region and several Iraqi provinces from December 9 to 12, damaged homes and left many families without basic necessities.

BCF relief teams arrived in Chamchamal on the night the floods hit and immediately began distributing aid. The operation continued intensively for three consecutive days, from December 10 to 12, focusing on the most urgent needs: food, shelter, heating, health, and sanitation.

“Our teams moved immediately to assist the affected residents,” said Ismail Abdulaziz, a member of the BCF’s administrative board.

According to foundation figures, the response included the distribution of thousands of prepared meals across Chamchamal, Takia, and nearby areas. The organization also provided food baskets and kitchen sets to displaced and affected families.

With winter conditions compounding the crisis, a significant part of the effort was dedicated to winter relief. Households received clothing packages, blankets, mattresses, kerosene supplies, and heaters to combat the cold in flood-damaged homes.

Public health was a key priority. BCF teams distributed cleaning supplies and drinking water kits, supplied tens of thousands of liters of potable water by tanker, and used large volumes of water to clean homes contaminated by floodwaters. Dozens of houses were cleared of mud and debris to allow families to return safely.

The foundation stated it will continue to monitor the situation and maintain assistance efforts until living conditions for affected families stabilize.

The Chamchamal flooding was part of a broader pattern of destructive weather that also impacted areas of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, and Nineveh. The intense rainfall caused flash floods that damaged hundreds of homes and public facilities, forcing numerous families to flee during the harsh winter season.