Emergency action plan for Haditha dam failure scenario, Al-Anbar, Iraq

Dams are essential structures that regulate and manage water for human activities such as irrigation, power generation, flood control, and water supply. However, building and operating dams involve inherent risks that can lead to catastrophic consequences in case of failure, such failures can threaten the environment and populations downstream. Haditha Dam, Al-Anbar Governate, Iraq has been chosen as a case study due to its unique geological conditions (existence of limestone formations prone to karstification) and susceptibility to terrorist attacks. In this research, the risk factor for Haditha Dam is categorized as extremely high risk, with a Total Risk Factor (TRF) of 36. An emergency action plan that includes three possible failure scenarios has been proposed. Based on the flood maps, there is an urgent need for evacuation planning and the designation of safe and unsafe zones in the cities downstream of Haditha Dam to mitigate the consequences of a potential failure of the Dam. This plan aims to address immediate flood inundation, minimize loss of life, and manage the damage that could occur to infrastructure. As part of the emergency response strategy, an evacuation program has been proposed to protect lives and reduce the impact on affected populations.