Iraq's Dukan Dam Reservoir Drops to 20-Year Low, Forcing Rationing for 4 Million

Water levels at Iraq's Dukan Dam reservoir have fallen to about 24 percent of its total capacity, marking the lowest level in roughly 20 years and contributing to an 80-year low for the country’s overall water reserves. This drastic decline is driven primarily by climate change, irregular rainfall with winter precipitation at only 220 millimeters compared to the usual 600 millimeters, and upstream damming of the Little Zab River by Iran, which has constructed dozens of dams to boost its own water reserves. Satellite imagery shows the lake's surface area has shrunk by 56 percent since it was last full in 2019. Iraq has criticized upstream damming by both Iran and Turkey for significantly restricting water flow into Iraq via the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The water shortage has forced stricter rationing measures, with millions affected, especially in the Kurdistan region and governorates relying on the dam, while local farmers face substantial agricultural losses due to drought conditions. This situation reflects broader challenges Iraq faces from climate change, including rising temperatures, repeated droughts, and desertification impacting its population of 46 million.