Environmental and health experts have sounded the alarm over critical pollution levels in the Tigris River, warning that the rampant spread of dangerous bacteria places the Iraqi population at an elevated risk of contracting 13 different diseases.

The Green Iraq Observatory, a non-governmental organization dedicated to monitoring environmental affairs, issued a stern warning on Sunday, highlighting the unchecked spread of coliform bacteria (including E. coli) in the country's primary water sources.

While these bacteria naturally inhabit the intestines of humans and animals, the observatory cautioned that specific strains can trigger severe, life-threatening health crises if they migrate to other parts of the body or are ingested through contaminated food and water.

According to the official statement, the polluted river water exposes citizens to a wide array of severe medical conditions.