Flooding Hits Northern, Eastern Syria as Euphrates Water Levels Surge

(MENAFN) According to reports, Syria’s energy ministry has warned of rising water levels along the Euphrates River after flooding affected parts of northern and eastern Syria, driven by increased inflows from Turkey and recent heavy rainfall.

The ministry said it was closely monitoring what it described as a “significant and unprecedented increase in water flows from the Turkish side,” attributing the surge to a combination of heavy seasonal rains and the opening of floodgates at upstream dams in Turkish territory.

Authorities in the Syrian provinces of Deir Ezzor, Raqqa, and Aleppo reportedly declared a “state of emergency” and implemented precautionary measures in response to the rising waters.

According to reports from the state news agency SANA, flooding impacted both urban and rural areas of Deir Ezzor, including the submergence of an earthen bridge. Several other bridges were reportedly rendered unusable, while farmland and residential areas were also affected. Similar flooding was reported in Raqqa province.

Turkish local media, citing regional water authorities, reported “controlled water releases” from the Atatürk Dam following unusually high water levels caused by sustained rainfall. The spillway gates were reportedly opened for the first time in seven years.

The Atatürk Dam, one of Turkey’s major hydroelectric and irrigation projects, plays a key role in regulating water flow along the Euphrates, which continues into Syria.

Syria’s energy ministry stated that water storage levels at the Euphrates Dam were nearing capacity, necessitating continued release of excess water to manage pressure on infrastructure.

Late on Wednesday, officials posted images showing the opening of the Euphrates Dam floodgates, noting that they had reportedly not been used in decades, and urged residents in affected areas to take caution amid ongoing flood risks.

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