Syria's Ministry of Energy said on Sunday evening that the General Establishment for the Euphrates Dam would begin gradually increasing water releases from Kdiran Dam, reaching 1,100 cubic metres per second on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, and then 1,200 cubic metres per second a week later, as water flows into the Euphrates from the Turkish side continue to rise.
Water situation to be reassessed in mid-October
The ministry said in a statement that releases would remain at 1,200 cubic metres per second until mid-October, after which the water situation would be reassessed in light of changes in inflows, lake levels and technical and operational data.
It added that technical and engineering teams were monitoring water inflows and lake levels around the clock in coordination with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management and emergency operations rooms in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates.
Warnings for residents near the Euphrates
The ministry urged people living near the Euphrates to exercise caution, stay away from the river and refrain from swimming in it while releases are being increased, while also warning them to take care when using temporary bridges.
It said the increased releases could be accompanied by higher water levels and faster currents, requiring precautionary measures to protect public safety and areas bordering the river.
Previous flooding and infrastructure impacts
The move comes amid seasonal changes and water coordination across the Euphrates basin. The river rises in Turkey, crosses Syria's northern and eastern governorates and flows towards Iraq.
The area experienced extensive flooding about four months ago, in May, after the river level rose as large flows arrived from Turkey alongside local rainfall. This prompted the Euphrates Dam authorities to open three spillway gates to control water levels, for the first time since 1988.
Fluctuations in Euphrates water levels affect infrastructure, service bridges and the banks of agricultural land in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates, prompting service authorities and emergency management agencies to issue early warnings to limit damage linked to faster currents or potential flooding.
