Editorial photo #13509750 Human Interest
Iraq S Darbandikhan Dam Opens Spillways Following Heavy Seasonal Rainfall
Authorities at the Darbandikhan Dam discharge excess water through the spillways following a significant rise in reservoir levels in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan region, Iraq, on March 28. After consecutive years of drought and record-low capacity, intensive seasonal rainfall has increased the water volume in the reservoir on the Diyala (Sirwan) River. Local residents and tourists are present at the site as the dam reaches its operational capacity. The infrastructure serves as a primary source for irrigation, potable water, and hydroelectric power generation for the Sulaymaniyah region and surrounding provinces. (Photo by Sabur Rashid/NurPhoto)