Flooding spread across northern and eastern Syria after water levels in the Euphrates River rose sharply following increased water flows from Turkey and heavy seasonal rainfall. Syrian authorities warned that the situation could worsen further as water continued moving through major river systems, affecting several populated areas, farmland and critical infrastructure across multiple provinces.
Syria’s energy ministry stated that officials were closely monitoring the Euphrates River after what it described as a significant and unprecedented increase in water inflows from Turkish territory. According to the ministry, abundant rainfall during the current season and the opening of floodgates at Turkish dams caused the rapid rise in river levels across affected Syrian regions.
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Meanwhile, authorities in Deir Ezzor, Raqa and Aleppo provinces declared a state of emergency and began precautionary measures to reduce risks linked to flooding and rising waters. Reports from affected areas showed urban neighbourhoods, agricultural land and residential communities facing severe flooding, while several bridges became damaged or completely unusable due to strong water currents and overflowing riverbanks.
In Deir Ezzor province, floodwaters submerged an earthen bridge and disrupted transportation routes connecting nearby communities and rural areas already struggling with infrastructure challenges. Flooding also affected neighbouring Raqa province, where officials continued monitoring water levels and coordinating emergency responses as residents faced growing concerns about property damage and further displacement caused by worsening conditions.
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At the same time, Turkish regional authorities reportedly carried out controlled water releases from the Ataturk Dam after water levels increased significantly following months of heavy rainfall. Local reports stated that the dam’s spillway gates were opened for the first time in seven years, highlighting the seriousness of the situation along the Euphrates River system shared by Turkey and Syria.
Furthermore, Syrian officials managing the Euphrates Dam warned that the country’s dam storage capacity had nearly reached maximum levels, making continued water releases necessary to prevent additional pressure on infrastructure. The energy ministry also released images showing the opening of the Euphrates Dam floodgates for the first time in nearly four decades, while urging residents living near riverbanks to remain cautious and follow safety instructions.