IraqThe effects of climate change and hydroelectric projects on the upper Sirwan River have left most of Lake Hamrin dry.
Aerial footage shows Lake Hamrin almost drying up. Video: AFP
Created in 1981 as part of a hydroelectric project on the Sirwan River, the Hamrin Reservoir serves as the sole source of irrigation water for the entire province of Diyala in central-eastern Iraq.
The lake once had a water reserve of up to 2 billion m3 but is in danger of disappearing. Footage taken on May 20 shows that most of the lake has dried up to the bottom, looking like a barren desert.
According to senior adviser Aoun Dhiab from Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources, the cause of Lake Hamrin “evaporating” is due to a long-term drought, which has resulted in low rainfall. In addition, the construction of hydroelectric dams by neighboring Iran upstream has also changed the flow of the Sirwan River downstream.
Children play on a fishing boat stuck on the dry bottom of Lake Hamrin. Image: AFP
The Iraqi government has asked Iran to increase the flow of water across the border, otherwise it can only count on higher rainfall next year to revive Lake Hamrin. The loss of the sole irrigation water source will have a huge impact on Diyala province’s arable land.
The problem is not exclusive to Diyala. The World Bank predicts that without major changes, Iraq will lose 20% of its freshwater resources by 2050. The country in the Middle East is currently one of the five most vulnerable to climate change. and desertification.
Iraq’s neighbors Iran, Turkey and Syria are also facing similar water shortages, so their calls for help are often unsuccessful.
Doan Duong (According to AFP)
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