Iraq rainstorm flooding kills hikers, officials say

Sulaimaniyah, Iraq — Floods caused by torrential rainstorms have killed four hikers in the Sulaimaniyah region of northern Iraq, local officials told AFP.  "Four members of a hiking team drowned because of heavy rains and flooding in Awaspi village" in the Qaradah district, local official Rouf Kamal said.  Civil defense spokesperson Aram Ali confirmed the toll and said eight other hikers survived the incident south of Sulaimaniyah on Friday, the autonomous Kurdistan region's second city.  He said a weather warning was issued Thursday, with hikers particularly urged to avoid mountainous areas.  Heavier than usual rainfall has caused flooding in several parts of
webdesk@voanews.com (Agence France-Presse)
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