Standing with Flood-Affected Families at Bzeibiz IDP Camp

Sitting just between Baghdad and Anbar, on the southwest bank of the Euphrates river is Bzeibiz Internally Displaced Persons camp, home to nearly 1,400 families. 

Children at Bzeibiz camp, April 2026.

Most who live here have been in the camp for up to twelve years, originally fleeing ISIS’ takeover of their homes and towns in 2014 and 2015. Due to security reasons, they are still unable to return home. 

A child sits by his bicycle, Bzeibiz Camp, April 2026.

Life at Bzeibiz camp is especially vulnerable by weather extremities, in summer, families are exposed to temperatures of above 50 degrees Celsius, with limited access to water and electricity. In winter, the situation is worse: families have little to protect them from heavy rains and cold weather. 

In late March this year, families endured severe flash floods. Heavy rainfall pushed more than 8 million cubic meters of water into the Euphrates, causing the camp to flood. The flash flood left over 700 tents damaged or destroyed and destroyed families' food stores, clothing and bedding.

Damage following the flash flooding in late March, 2026.

Damage to tents, clothes and food stores caused by flash flooding, March 2026.

After a request for intervention, Mercy Hands launched an emergency fundraising campaign to respond to the critical needs of families. Thanks to supporters from inside Iraq and all across the world, Mercy Hands team coordinated to assemble and distribute food and hygiene kits for families that were the worst affected by the flooding. 

In April, our field teams delivered kits to 130 families.

Mercy Hands team deliver food and hygiene kits to flood affected families, April 2026.

Each kit contained 1 bag of rice, 1 can of tomato paste, 1 bottle of cooking oil, 1 bag of white beans, 1 bag of pasta, 1 pack of tea, 1 bag of sugar, 1 six-pack of soap, 1 bag of laundry detergent, 2 packs of sanitary towels, and diapers for families who need them.

Last month, we delivered a further 139 kits to families who were still recovering. Alongside this, we received a donation of toys, which we delivered to children in families who had been worst impacted. 

Mercy Hands team deliver further assistance, July 2026.

These increasingly frequent and severe weather events are a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change. Iraq is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and families living in Bzeibiz are among those bearing its heaviest burden.

At Mercy Hands, we remain committed to standing alongside these families, providing emergency relief when disaster strikes while supporting longer-term resilience and dignity for those who have already endured years of displacement. As climate-related crises become more frequent, your support enables us to respond quickly, reach those most in need, and ensure vulnerable communities are not forgotten.

We will also continue to advocate for climate justice, calling for greater action to protect communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Families who have already endured conflict and displacement should not be left to face the devastating consequences of a climate crisis they did not create.