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Monday, 17 August 2026dailybeirut.com
World
The Syrian Ministry of Emergency Affairs has warned residents in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates of rising water levels in the Euphrates River following a planned increase in discharge from the Kaderan Dam, set to rise from 600 to 800 cubic meters per second starting Saturday.
The Syrian Ministry of Emergency Affairs has issued an urgent warning to residents in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates, urging maximum caution due to a gradual increase in water flow released from the Kaderan Dam into the Euphrates River beginning Saturday.
Syria’s Ministry of Energy announced earlier on Friday that the General Company for the Euphrates Dam will begin incrementally raising the volume of water discharged from the Kaderan Dam starting Saturday — increasing the rate from 600 to 800 cubic meters per second. The ministry stated this adjustment follows continuous inflows into the Euphrates River from the Turkish side exceeding 1,200 cubic meters per second for approximately ten days, with high inflow volumes expected to persist through the end of the current month.
In a Telegram channel post issued Friday, the Ministry of Emergency Affairs cited data received from the Ministry of Energy confirming the planned operational and hydrological increase in discharge. It warned that the higher flow may cause elevated water levels along the Euphrates River and accelerate current velocity in several riverside areas — necessitating immediate preventive measures to safeguard public safety.
The ministry instructed residents in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor to observe strict safety precautions: avoid the riverbed entirely; stay away from low-lying or flood-prone zones; refrain from swimming or approaching water during periods of rising levels; and keep clear of riverbanks when flow speeds increase and water levels rise.
It further emphasized that children must be kept away from the river and its banks at all times and remain under constant supervision. Agricultural machinery, equipment, and nearby property should be relocated to higher, safer ground. Crossing the river or remaining in areas affected by fast-moving currents is strictly discouraged.
The ministry also called on citizens to comply fully with official instructions and warnings issued by competent authorities, and to monitor official updates and announcements regarding Euphrates River water levels and discharge volumes. It stressed that adherence to these safety guidelines contributes directly to mitigating potential risks and protecting civilian lives.
