DEIR EZZOR, SYRIA / MENA Newswire / — Syrian authorities maintained emergency operations along the Euphrates River after rising water levels damaged crossings, affected farmland and prompted evacuations in Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, while crews reinforced bridges and protective barriers to keep essential routes and services operating. The response followed several days of flooding concerns in eastern Syria, where local officials reported damage to homes, agricultural land and river islands.
Emergency teams reinforced al-Asharah bridge in Deir Ezzor after high water caused minor damage to the structure and disrupted crossings in several areas. Crews used earth, rubble, rock fill and concrete barriers to strengthen vulnerable sections and reduce erosion. Officials said the work was intended to preserve the crossing and maintain traffic movement at a time when several river links were either damaged or taken out of service.
The Syrian Ministry of Energy said a surge of Euphrates water entered Deir Ezzor from the al-Jazrat area, warning that levels could rise by 70 to 100 centimeters. The ministry estimated the surge at around 1,600 cubic meters per second and said it was expected to peak late Thursday. By Saturday, technical teams had begun closing spillway gate No. 4 at the Euphrates Dam as inflows declined.
Bridge access restricted
Several crossings in Deir Ezzor were reported out of service, including the city’s earthen bridge, al-Mari’iyah military bridge, al-Mayadeen earthen bridge and Huwayjat Saqr bridge. Damage to earthen and other bridges complicated movement between both banks of the river and affected access to services in East Euphrates areas. Authorities also reported evacuations from vulnerable locations, including Huwayjat Saqr and Huwayjat Qateh.
The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management said about 2,400 families in Deir Ezzor were affected by flooding, particularly in river islands and agricultural areas. Officials said no new fatalities had been recorded as a direct result of the flooding, while several children died after swimming in the river despite repeated warnings. Emergency crews, local authorities and Syrian Civil Defense personnel reinforced barriers, monitored low-lying areas and carried out evacuations when needed.
Water releases reduced
By May 30, total discharge through the Euphrates Dam had been reduced to about 1,400 cubic meters per second after the closure of a gate that had been releasing about 300 cubic meters per second. Authorities said the technical measures were aimed at bringing water levels in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor back toward their normal range while teams continued round-the-clock monitoring of dam operations and river conditions.
The flood response also expanded to health and relief services. The Ministry of Health activated an emergency code in the East Euphrates region, coordinated with health directorates in Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, and moved medical consumables, essential equipment and dialysis machines to emergency zones. Defense units and naval forces supported evacuations across the river, while local teams continued work to protect water stations, farmland and residential areas along the Euphrates.