Baghdad: A local official is demanding that government authorities explain the reasons behind the rise in cancer cases in Diyala. A member of the Diyala Provincial Council, Aws al-Mahdawi, announced that approximately 6,400 cases of cancer have been recorded in the province.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during a press conference held at the Provincial Council building, al-Mahdawi stated, “This matter requires serious attention from government authorities to address the root causes and mitigate the crisis.” He explained that “the current landfill sites are located near cities and residential areas, posing an environmental and health risk to citizens, in addition to other sources of pollution that contribute to increased health risks within the province.”

He added that “the continued operation of landfill sites near populated areas is causing concern among residents, especially given the emissions, odors, and pollution they generate, which could negatively impact public health.” He called for “a review of the landfill system in accordance with approved environmental standards.”

Al-Mahdawi demanded the relocation of landfill sites to remote areas far from residential communities, the adoption of modern waste management solutions, the strengthening of environmental monitoring procedures, and the conduct of field studies to identify and address pollution sources.