Macomb Today

State Representative Joseph Aragona has called on the President of the United States and Congress to provide assistance and medical aid to the community in northern Iraq that was affected by a devastating fire. The fire, which occurred in the city of Qaraqosh/Bakhdida on September 26, 2023, resulted in the death of 132 people and left at least 82 others injured, many of whom suffered severe burns.

Rep. Aragona, who introduced House Resolution 148 to bring attention to this tragedy, emphasized the urgent need for medical care for the survivors. He stated, "Surviving victims suffered extreme burns and other physical and psychological injuries that require specialized care – care that the local medical community is not equipped to provide." He added that hospitals in the area have been overwhelmed with the influx of victims in need of comprehensive and intense medical intervention.

Highlighting the strong ties between Michigan and the Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac community, the ethnic group of the affected city, Rep. Aragona emphasized the personal connection many people in Michigan have to the tragedy. He said, "Many people here have family members and friends who were affected, who were burned or who passed away. This is a horrific situation that has deeply affected families in Iraq and here at home."

Rep. Aragona also pointed out that the United States has a history of providing humanitarian assistance to those in need around the world. He urged the federal government to offer medical assistance and other resources to the victims and the medical professionals working tirelessly on their behalf. He believes that this aid would demonstrate the compassion of the American people and the commitment to promoting peace, stability, and well-being in Iraq and beyond.

On Wednesday, House Resolution 148 was approved by the House Government Operations Committee, signaling the support and recognition of the need for assistance for the devastated Iraqi community.