Euphrates rises in Deir ez-Zor, flooding farmland

Water levels in the Euphrates River have risen in Deir ez-Zor city and its countryside after increased water releases from the Euphrates dams reached the governorate, causing the river to overflow its banks at several points and reach parts of the Corniche Street and Al-Jneina water station, in addition to flooding agricultural land near the river.

The Ministry of Energy said water releases from the Euphrates dams began on September 22 at a rate of 1,200 cubic meters per second, explaining that the volume reaching Deir ez-Zor raised the river’s water level and increased its flow rate in the Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates. It added that the release rate would not exceed 1,200 cubic meters per second through the end of October, based on current data.

The ministry attributed the increased releases to continued higher inflows from the Turkish side, aimed at increasing available storage capacity in the Euphrates dams ahead of expected winter inflows. It urged residents to stay away from the river and avoid swimming in it, and to move nearby irrigation equipment and pumps from the riverbanks to safe locations.

The rise in water levels has forced drinking-water stations in Muhaymidah, Al-Jneina, Safira Tahtani and Al-Kasra to stop operating, while water entered the Al-Jneina station, affecting drinking-water supplies to the areas and towns that depend on it. Water also flooded agricultural land along the river, raising concerns about potential damage to crops and property in low-lying areas near the riverbanks.

The Euphrates recorded its highest water level this month as water reached parts of the Corniche Street in Deir ez-Zor city, prompting residents, particularly those living near the river, to closely monitor developments amid continued water releases at the currently set rate.