The Syrian Ministry of Emergency has called on citizens in the governorates of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor to exercise extreme caution due to the expected gradual increase in water volumes released from the Qadiran Dam into the Euphrates River starting
this Saturday. The Ministry clarified, in a statement issued yesterday, Friday, that this step is based on data received from the Ministry of Energy, which indicates a gradual increase in water discharge from 600 cubic meters per second to 800
cubic meters per second, in accordance with operational and hydrological data, while emphasizing close monitoring of water levels along the Euphrates River course. The Ministry specifically warned residents living near the river's course that the anticipated increase in water volumes might
be accompanied by a rise in Euphrates River levels and an acceleration in flow velocity in many areas located along the riverbanks. It urged the necessity of taking all necessary precautionary measures to ensure public safety. The general safety guidelines issued
by the Ministry included urging residents in both governorates to stay away from the river course and low-lying areas or those susceptible to water level rises, and to refrain from swimming or being near the water during periods of increased
levels. It also stressed the importance of avoiding approaching the riverbanks during increased flow velocity and high water levels. The Ministry of Emergency affirmed the importance of keeping children away from the river course and its banks and keeping them under
continuous supervision. It also called for moving agricultural equipment, machinery, and properties located near the river course to higher and safer locations, and to avoid attempting to cross the river or being in areas experiencing rapid and dangerous water currents. The
Ministry urged citizens in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor to strictly adhere to the instructions and warnings issued by the competent official authorities, and to follow all updates and official announcements related to Euphrates River levels and water release volumes. It
stressed that adherence to safety guidelines is a vital element in reducing potential risks and ensuring the safety of residents and property. This warning follows a previous announcement by the Ministry of Energy yesterday that the General Establishment of the Euphrates
Dam would begin gradually increasing the water volumes released from Qadiran Dam starting this Saturday. It explained that this measure comes in light of the continuous increase in water volumes entering the Euphrates River from the Turkish side, which have
continuously exceeded 1200 cubic meters per second for about ten days. The Ministry anticipated that these high inflows would continue until the end of the current month.
