Rains revive Iraq’s wetlands after years of drought
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Recent rains have revived Iraq’s southern Huwaizah Marshes, restoring water levels and greenery in the once-parched wetlands.
- The marshes, part of the ancient Mesopotamian ecosystem and home to diverse wildlife, had suffered severe drought due to climate change and upstream dams.
- The Iraqi Water Ministry reports nearly full reservoirs on the Tigris River and anticipates rising Euphrates water levels if Syria releases dam water, contributing to the marshes' recovery.
- Local residents and activists express hope that the renewed water will restore fish, livestock, and the overall ecosystem, preventing the marshes from drying out during the hot summer months.
- This revival marks a significant improvement for the Huwaizah Marsh, with 85 percent of the wetlands currently submerged, signaling a positive outlook for the region’s environmental future.
