Rising water levels of Euphrates threaten new areas in Deir ez-Zor

Over the past several hours, the Euphrates River has continued to rise in Deir ez-Zor province and its countryside, with the water approaching new areas and overflowing its banks at several points, amid a state of concern among residents, particularly those living in areas adjacent to the riverbanks.

The rise has been noticeable in the following villages and towns along the river: Ayash, al-Jneineh, Muhaymidah, al-Kasrah, Safira Tahtani, Huwayjet Sakr, Hatlah, Khasham, Marrat, al-Mrei’iyah, al-Jafrah, al-Shuhail, Dhiban, Hajin, Abu Hamam, al-Gharanij, and Sabikhan.

On Sunday, the Euphrates reached parts of Kornish Street and the al-Jneineh water station, in addition to inundating areas of agricultural land near the river. Four drinking-water stations — Muhaymidah, al-Jneineh, Safira Tahtani, and al-Kasrah — also stopped operating.

The Syrian Ministry of Energy explained that the rise in the water level and the increased flow rate of the river in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces are linked to the beginning of water releases from the Euphrates dams at a rate of 1,200 cubic metres per second since 22 September, coinciding with an increase in the amount of water flowing in from the Turkish side.

The ministry confirmed through its official channel that the release rate will not exceed 1,200 cubic metres per second until the end of October, based on current data. It noted that the increased releases are intended to raise the available storage capacity in the Euphrates dams in preparation for expected inflows during the winter season.

The ministry called on residents to stay away from the river and refrain from swimming in it, and to move irrigation equipment and pumps located near the banks to safe areas, while stressing the need to follow alerts issued by the relevant authorities.

In the same context, the emergency response committee in Deir ez-Zor previously closed the earthen bridge between the two banks of the Euphrates and restricted access to and from the city exclusively to the floating bridge until water levels stabilise.

Local social media accounts and pages have circulated photos and videos showing the expansion of the flooded areas and the water approaching populated and service areas.

Available information as of this morning indicates that water levels continue to rise, with no new official announcement so far regarding an increase in the amount of water being released or the implementation of new evacuation measures. Areas close to the Euphrates remain the most vulnerable to the effects of any further rise in water levels.

Sh-S

ANHA