To avoid collapse, flooding, Dhakhira Dam gates opened

The Water Resources Directorate in Jazira region has begun opening the two main and secondary gates of the Dhakhira Dam, located northeast of the city of Jel Agha, as a precautionary measure to protect the dam structure and prevent flooding. This action comes in response to the rising water level resulting from heavy rainfall in recent days and the likelihood of further heavy rain in the coming days.

This step was taken in cooperation between the Water Resources Department of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee in Jazira and the Agriculture Directorate in Jel Agha. The objective of this measure is to lower the water level to a safe level within the dam's storage capacity of approximately 23 million cubic meters, after the water volume reached nearly 5.5 million cubic meters.

According to available data, the decision was based on technical reports issued by the Bulgarian company Hydroscope, which oversees dam assessments. These reports indicated that the dam structure, despite its large capacity, cannot withstand more than 4.3 million cubic meters, necessitating urgent measures to alleviate the pressure on it.

In this context, Engineer Jaber Abdel Aziz Suleiman from the Water Resources Department in Jel Agha explained that the region has been under continuous monitoring of water levels since the beginning of winter. He emphasized that opening the dam's two gates was a precautionary measure to release approximately 1,200 cubic meters of excess water and mitigate potential risks.

He added that these measures aim to protect residents and property, particularly in areas near the dam and southern villages, from the risk of flooding that could sweep away homes and cause significant damage, noting that this step also anticipates potential water inflows from the Turkish side, similar to what occurred during the 2019 floods.

The relevant authorities continue to monitor the status of the dams in the region and take the necessary measures to ensure stability and prevent any emergency that could threaten public safety.

ANHA