Iraqi ancient Assur city in danger of erosion

The Iraqi ancient city of Assur is exposed to partial collapse and erosion due to the high water level in river Tigris, Iraqi state ministry of tourism said on Monday.

"The high level of water in river Tigris passing the ancient city of Assur in Mosul has recently caused erosion to the river bank," said ministry media spokesman, Abdul-Zahra al-Talkani, in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

"The city historic and ancient residential landmarks are in the lower layers where the erosion and decay already started," the statement added.

The statement warned against the current critical situation appealing to Iraqi competent authorities "to take all necessary measures to save the historic city from decay and protect Iraq's history and heritage."