Damascus, June 9 (SANA) Syrian Euphrates River authorities have closed the final spillway gate at the Euphrates Dam after water levels along the river stabilized following weeks of unusually high inflows, the Ministry of Energy said on Tuesday.
Technical teams shut spillway gate No. 3, reducing water discharge by an additional 200 cubic meters per second. Water releases from the dam now total about 700 cubic meters per second and are flowing entirely through power-generation turbines, according to the ministry.
The closure marks the end of a phased process that began two weeks ago as authorities gradually reduced emergency water releases and worked to restore normal conditions along the Euphrates River.
Water levels in the Euphrates rose sharply in recent weeks after increased inflows from Türkiye following heavy rains, prompting authorities to open spillway gates at the dam for the first time in decades to protect the facility’s operational safety.
The flooding affected areas along the riverbanks in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces, flooding agricultural land, water pumping stations and local infrastructure.
According to local officials, more than 5,000 dunams of farmland were affected, while dozens of water stations were partially or completely put out of service. Some residents in low-lying areas were evacuated as a precaution, and emergency assistance was provided to affected families.
Technical and engineering teams continue to monitor conditions around the clock, while authorities say water levels are returning to normal.
F.J./ABD
