Turkey ready to help flood-hit Iraq

By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey is ready to help Iraq, where recent floods have caused loss of lives and damaged properties, Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

In a statement, the ministry said flash floods in Nineveh, Basra, Saladin, and Maysan governorates of Iraq have resulted in loss of lives and injuries and many people have been forced to flee their homes.

"We wish Allah's mercy upon those who lost their lives in the flash floods, convey our condolences to their families and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.

"Turkey is ready to help with every possible means to friendly and brotherly people of Iraq in these difficult days," the statement said.

Flash floods in northern Iraq have killed at least nine people, including women and children, and severely battered thousands of homes.

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.