In the scorching heat of July 2023, Iraq faced a daunting combination of challenges as an extreme heat wave swept through the country, bringing temperatures soaring to 116.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The sweltering conditions put immense strain on the already struggling electrical system, leading to devastating consequences. Southern and central Iraq experienced a massive power outage after a fire broke out at the Al-Bkir substation in the city of Basra. The fire caused a complete shutdown of the electrical system as transmission lines connecting the two regions were severed. The Ministry of Electricity confirmed that the incident was accidental, but the impact was profound.
Adding to the woes, fuel shortages and surging electricity demand during the heat wave posed significant hurdles for the already struggling electrical infrastructure. Citizens were left grappling with the sweltering conditions and a lack of essential resources. As if that wasn’t enough, the northern region of Iraq also faced its share of difficulties as the transmission line outside Haditha was sabotaged by improvised explosive devices. Three towers were destroyed, disrupting the power supply to the area. Repair efforts were hampered by security issues, as ISIS and other armed groups remained active in the region.
Amidst the chaos, authorities scrambled to mitigate the impact on citizens by trying to run water pumps using generators. The power blackout in Baghdad led to disruptions in the water supply, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in coping with the extreme weather conditions. The situation in Iraq was not isolated, as the world itself was experiencing an unprecedented heatwave. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service warned that July 2023 was likely to be the hottest month on record globally.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern, stating that the month would undoubtedly shatter records across the board, barring an unexpected cooling event. The dire circumstances in Iraq and the record-breaking heat on a global scale highlight the urgent need for climate action and bolstering infrastructures to withstand extreme weather events. As countries worldwide grapple with rising temperatures and the challenges they bring, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident and demand collective efforts to address and adapt to the new normal.