Thousands of displaced people near Baghdad affected by floods: UN relief wing

The UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported thousands of internally displaced people living near Iraq's capital Baghdad were affected as camps have been damaged by flooding, said a UN spokesperson here on Thursday.

"Some displaced people are reportedly sheltering in schools, religious buildings or with host families as tents have been destroyed or damaged across numerous locations," Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing.

Floods paralyzed Baghdad as heavy rains began on Wednesday. Reports said tented camps set up for people displaced by conflict in the western province of Anbar and other regions were wrecked by rivers of mud.

"Humanitarian concerns include shelter, household items, food and clean water," said Dujarric. "The impact of flooding on public health is also being assessed, as the flooded areas are those affected by the current cholera outbreak."

"Iraqi Government authorities are working to provide excavators and evacuate people from affected displacement sites," he added.

According to reports, the storm was unusually violent and was the first after an uncommonly hot, dry summer. Weather forecasts predicted more thunderstorms are expected for Friday and next week. Enditem