A fishing boat traverses the revitalized waters of Iraq’s southern marshes, reflecting the recent influx of rain that has brought life back to the wetlands. The Huwaizah Marshes, once severely depleted due to years of drought linked to climate change and upstream dam construction, are now adorned with patches of greenery. Here, buffalo can be seen in the water or grazing on the rich grasslands, while a variety of bird species flit overhead, all contributing to the area’s biodiversity. Fisherman Kazem Kasid emphasized the positive impact of the returning water, heralding the restoration of fish populations and livestock, which he believes signifies hope for the local community’s future. Iraq’s Water Ministry has reported nearly full reservoirs on the Tigris River and anticipates increased water levels in the Euphrates if water is released from Syria’s dams. Activist Ahmed Saleh Neema noted that 85 percent of the wetlands are currently submerged, a significant improvement that suggests the marshes will remain hydrated through the coming summer months, when temperatures can soar to 50°C.
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Hashtags: #Rains #revive #Iraqs #wetlands #years #drought
