Iraq: Severe Drought Dries Up Bolhayya Stream in Dhi Qar, Forcing Families to Relocate

Iraq: Severe Drought Dries Up Bolhayya Stream in Dhi Qar, Forcing Families to Relocate
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A severe drought has completely dried up the Bolhayya stream in the Al-Islah district of eastern Dhi Qar, Iraq, triggering a humanitarian and environmental crisis. Once a vital water source for local communities, the stream’s disappearance has devastated fishing, farming, and livestock activities, leaving residents without essential resources.

Environmental activists staged a symbolic protest by placing a mock grave at the site, mourning the loss of the stream and calling attention to the urgency of the situation. The drying of Bolhayya has forced dozens of families to leave the area in search of alternative livelihoods.

Locals expressed deep concern over the loss, describing it as a collapse of their way of life. The crisis highlights growing water scarcity challenges in southern Iraq.