Global
In the wake of a heavy rainy season following years of drought, Syria's Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management has issued urgent warnings to residents of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates, particularly those living along the Euphrates River. These warnings anticipate an imminent rise in water levels, driven by the continued influx from the Turkish side and increased discharge through Syrian dams. The Ministry clarified that the General Establishment of the Euphrates Dam will commence, starting this Tuesday, a gradual increase in water passage. Discharge will begin at 1100 cubic meters per second, rising after one week to 1200 cubic meters per second. This measure is expected to continue until mid-next month, based on hydrological data and continuous monitoring of water levels along the river. Residents are urged to follow strict precautionary measures for safety and property protection. These include exercising caution near the riverbanks, staying away from high-water areas, and avoiding swimming in or approaching the river, especially during rising levels and increased flow velocity. The Ministry stressed keeping children away and monitored, avoiding fast currents, and moving agricultural equipment and supplies near the river to safe, elevated locations, while continuously monitoring the river's status. The current rainy season, after long drought years, previously caused Euphrates flooding, with water entering homes and submerging crops in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor before harvest, necessitating Ministry intervention. Residents largely blame Turkey for these damages, citing its failure to notify Syria about dam emptying mechanisms and allowing water flow without prior coordination.
