IRAQ DECLARES EMERGENCY IN HEAVY RAIN-HIT AREAS

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider alAbadi declared an emergency in areas overwhelmed by heavy rain that has caused widespread flooding and multiple deaths, his office said on Sunday. Abadi ordered a “declaration of emergency in the areas affected by torrential rainwater that exceeded drainage capacity”, his office said in a statement. And he announced the “mobilisation” of ministries, provinces, security forces, civil defence and civilian volunteers for rescue efforts in Baghdad and other provinces. – AFP