Syria.. Orders for the urgent evacuation of homes adjacent to the Euphrates River

Today, Monday, the Syrian Civil Defense called on residents living on the banks of the Euphrates River and in the low-lying areas of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates to immediately evacuate homes and shops near the river’s course, warning of a flood wave that could raise the water level to more than two meters above its normal level in the coming hours and days.

The Civil Defense indicated, through its official information, that the volume of water discharge from the Euphrates Dam has increased to 1,500 cubic meters per second, which may lead to an additional rise in the water level of up to a meter in the coming hours and days, according to Syria TV.

Accordingly, the Civil Defense called for the immediate evacuation of homes and shops near the river, especially those located within the ravines and low-lying areas, stopping sailing operations in boats and water ferries, and reducing and refraining from crossing over dirt bridges in the event of high water levels.

The Civil Defense stressed the necessity of stopping swimming completely during this period, and moving families, livestock, machinery and agricultural equipment to safe and elevated areas.

He explained that civil defense teams are on full alert to monitor the situation and take the necessary measures to protect residents and property.

In turn, the Ministry of Energy announced that the technical staff at the General Organization of the Euphrates Dam began opening three spillway gates in the dam as a result of the significant increase in water supply, in a step that it said was being implemented for the first time in more than thirty years.

The Ministry explained that the measure comes as part of a plan to maintain the structural and operational safety of the dams, while monitoring and operating work continues around the clock to ensure the safe handling of incoming water quantities in accordance with the approved technical standards.

She added that the specialized teams are also working to enhance the readiness of hydroelectric generating sets, which contributes to supporting the national grid with electrical energy and improving the stability of the electrical system.