Deir Ezzor, May 29 (SANA) Syrian ministries intensified emergency operations in Deir Ezzor as rising water levels in the Euphrates River continued to threaten infrastructure, residential areas and agricultural land across eastern Syria.
Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir visited flood-affected areas on Thursday alongside Deputy Minister for Water Resources Osama Abu Zeid to assess conditions on the ground and review measures aimed at protecting water facilities and essential services.
During the visit, al-Bashir said recent coordination with Turkish authorities had resulted in a reduction of water releases into the Euphrates, lowering flows from approximately 2,000 to 1,800 cubic meters per second. He said officials expected the measure to contribute to a gradual decline in river levels over the next 48 hours, with further reductions anticipated early next week.
The minister instructed local authorities and relevant institutions to implement emergency measures for residents affected by service disruptions, including the deployment of water tankers beginning Friday to ensure continued access to drinking water.
The Energy Ministry said technical teams had reinforced protective embankments around 10 water stations that were forced out of service by rising river levels. The stations are expected to resume operations after protection work is completed and electrical and mechanical equipment is installed.
Separately, Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh held a meeting with Syrian Civil Defense and emergency response leaders in Deir Ezzor to review the latest flood developments and strengthen coordination among field teams.
According to the ministry, discussions focused on evaluating current response efforts, addressing operational challenges and implementing additional precautionary measures to protect residents, critical infrastructure and public facilities.
Civil Defense teams continued around-the-clock operations through a joint emergency operations room that includes representatives from the ministries of emergency management, health, defense, interior and social affairs, as well as local authorities in Deir Ezzor and Raqqa.
In Deir Ezzor, emergency crews reinforced al-Asharah Bridge with rock fill and concrete barriers to prevent erosion caused by rising waters and maintain traffic flow. Protective embankments were also constructed around several water stations to safeguard essential services.
Rescue teams said they saved two young men from drowning near al-Siyasiya Bridge and established three emergency response points along the river, each equipped with a rescue boat, diver and ambulance. Five medical evacuation cases were transported between communities on opposite sides of the river.
Authorities also continued inspections and evacuation efforts in flood-threatened areas, including Huwayjat Saqr, where some residents remained in their homes despite warnings.
The latest emergency measures came as the Energy Ministry warned that a new wave of water released into the Euphrates had entered Deir Ezzor province, with flows estimated at 1,600 cubic meters per second. Officials said the surge could raise river levels by between 70 and 100 centimeters and urged residents and local authorities to take precautionary measures.
Water levels in the Euphrates have risen significantly in recent days, prompting authorities to reinforce embankments, monitor vulnerable areas and prepare emergency evacuations where necessary.
IZ/A
