Euphrates water levels rise following increased inflow from Turkey

The effects of increased water inflow via the Euphrates have become clearly visible in the river’s course since last night. This follows a rise in inflow from the Turkish side to over 1,200 cubic meters per second—a level reached about ten days ago—with further increases expected through the end of August.

The Syrian Ministry of Energy had previously warned residents—particularly those living near the Euphrates in the Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates—about rising water levels and increased flow velocity. The Ministry urged the public to exercise caution, stay away from the river channel, and refrain from swimming in the water.

The Ministry explained that the General Establishment for the Euphrates Dam began a gradual increase in water discharge from the Kadiran Dam on August 15, 2026, raising the rate from 600 to 800 cubic meters per second. This decision was based on hydrological and operational data, as well as ongoing monitoring of the river's course.

In late May 2026, the Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates experienced a significant surge in Euphrates water levels. This event resulted in the inundation of approximately 5,000 dunams of land and affected around 2,400 families; homes and agricultural lands were flooded, and several bridges were rendered unusable.

Tragically, three children drowned, and a fourth went missing; Deir ez-Zor was the hardest-hit area, as the surge reached it after passing through Raqqa.

Sh-S

ANHA