21 people died due to heavy rains in Iraq

In Iraq, at least 21 people have died and tens of thousands displaced by heavy rains that have battered Iraq over two days.

Iraq's health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr and United Nations office said in Baghdad today that women and children were among the dead. At least 180 more were injured, he



added.

Iraq and neighbouring countries have been hit by heavier-than-average rainfall in recent weeks, resulting in deaths and widespread damage.

The country's north has borne the brunt of it, and the UN's Iraq office said the downpour had forced tens of thousands of people out of their homes.