Death toll from northern Iraq floods climbs to 18

By Idris Okuducu

ANKARA (AA) - The death toll from flash floods in northern Iraq has climbed to 18, according to Iraqi Health Ministry on Sunday.

In a statement, the ministry said the number of wounded people has reached 180.

Meanwhile, local media reported that as many as 300 homes have been badly damaged by the floods, especially in Nineveh and Kirkuk provinces.

Also, heavy flooding inundated the town of Al-Shirqat in Saladin province, northwest of Baghdad, following days of heavy rainfall in the area.

Several countries in the region -- including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan -- have been pounded by torrential rains in recent days that have left scores dead.