Syria warns Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor residents of rising Euphrates levels
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management on Saturday warned residents of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates of rising Euphrates River water levels as authorities gradually increase water releases from the Kudairan Dam.
The ministry said water releases would rise from 600 to 800 cubic meters per second, based on operational and water conditions, while authorities monitor water levels along the river.
The ministry urged residents, particularly those living near the Euphrates, to stay away from the river and low-lying areas, avoid swimming, and exercise caution as water levels and flow speeds increase.
Hazem Mohammed al-Muhsinin, director of water resources in Deir ez-Zor, said the river level had already risen by about 70 centimeters and could increase by another 30 centimeters vertically and five meters horizontally in Deir ez-Zor city over the next 24 hours.
He added that water flow is expected to rise from 600 to 725 cubic meters per second and remain at elevated levels for about 10 days, with possible changes depending on conditions.
The Energy Ministry said increased releases were prompted by sustained high inflows from Turkey, which have exceeded 1,200 cubic meters per second for about 10 days. High inflows are expected to continue through the end of August.
In May, rising Euphrates levels caused significant damage along the riverbanks in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. The Emergency and Disaster Management Ministry said about 24,000 hectares of agricultural land in Deir ez-Zor were affected.