At least 21 people have died and tens of thousands displaced by heavy rains that have battered Iraq over two days, the Health Ministry and United Nations said on Sunday.
Women and children were among the dead, health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr told AFP. Some had drowned, but others had died in car accidents, were electrocuted, or were trapped when their houses collapsed. At least 180 more were injured, he added.
Iraq and neighbouring countries have been hit by heavier-than-average rainfall in recent weeks, resulting in deaths and widespread damage.