Water releases from the Hamrin Dam into the Diyala River basin have increased by more than 20% as part of preparations for the upcoming rainy season, according to the Agriculture Committee of the Diyala Provincial Council.
Committee Chairman Raad al-Tamimi said the increase comes under measures adopted by the Ministry of Water Resources as water levels in Hamrin Lake approach high storage capacity. The objective is to lower reservoir levels, revive the Diyala River basin, and create sufficient storage space to absorb expected rainfall during the next wet season.
Al-Tamimi explained that the ministry is implementing a broader strategy to manage dam reserves efficiently while maintaining a balance between current water needs and future storage requirements.
He noted that the higher releases will lead to a noticeable rise in water levels along the Diyala River as it flows toward Baghdad and eventually joins the Tigris River, one of Iraq’s main waterways.
According to al-Tamimi, the increase in river levels does not pose a threat, as water releases are being managed within approved limits and are closely monitored by specialized technical and engineering committees responsible for regulating flows and maintaining overall water balance.
