Rising Euphrates water levels threaten villages in western Kobani countryside

The Euphrates River is one of the most important water sources in the region, as the villages and towns along its banks depend on it for agriculture and livestock. However, the sudden rise in its water level now poses a direct threat to residents and property near its banks.

In recent days, the floodwaters have inundated areas of farmland and some areas near the river, particularly in villages located on both sides, raising concerns among residents about potential losses to crops and homes.

In this context, Khalil Naasan, a resident of the village of Buraz, stated that the water level of the Euphrates River has risen rapidly in recent days, and that a number of villages are now threatened with flooding, including Buraz, Qumlakh, and Zarkutak, in addition to the villages of Qasmiya and Iljakh, due to their proximity to the river.

He added, "The sudden rise in the water level is due to the heavy rains and snowfall this year, along with Turkey releasing large quantities of water. If it reaches 26 meters, the homes, properties, and agricultural lands of the residents will be submerged."

Naasan pointed out that the continued rise in the water level could pose a significant threat to the lives of residents and their agricultural lands, and he urged residents, especially families with children, to stay away from the riverbanks during this period.

For his part, citizen Ibrahim Mohammed Remo explained that the water level had receded from the area over the past four or five years due to weak flow, and it has now dropped to nearly 25 meters.

He said, "In previous years, we could reach the village of Buraz by car, and some old houses that were previously submerged reappeared. Today, however, the water level has risen significantly, threatening the low-lying villages along the riverbanks."

The width of the Euphrates River in the Kobani region varies depending on location, season, and water level. It typically ranges between 200 and 500 meters in most sections near the city and western villages, while its width increases noticeably near dams and newly formed lakes, such as the Tishreen Dam area.

The river's width has also been affected in recent years by the decrease in water levels due to reduced flow from the Turkish side, leading to a noticeable narrowing of some sections and the emergence of wider banks.

It is worth noting that the Euphrates River flooded parts of the western Kobani countryside in 1999, following the commissioning of the Tishreen Dam and the formation of its reservoir. This resulted in the submergence of several villages, including Buraz, Qumlakh, Tel Ahmar, al-Ja'da, and Zarkutak, and displaced hundreds of families to various areas, including Manbij, Maskana, Kobani, and neighboring villages.

Local authorities have warned residents against approaching low-lying areas and flood channels, and urged caution in anticipation of any further rise in the river's water level in the coming period.

Sh-S

ANHA