Al-Hasakah Initiates Preventive Measures Against Khabur River Flooding
Teams from the Directorate of Emergency and Disaster Management in Al-Hasakah began a series of proactive measures on Thursday to mitigate risks associated with rising water levels in the Khabur River, following ongoing rainfall in the region.
Abdul Halim Shihab, Director of the Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate in Al-Hasakah, explained that field operations are currently focused on clearing drainage channels and water passages near the Birouti Bridge. This initiative is intended to alleviate pressure caused by increased water flow in the riverbed and to prevent water accumulation that could pose risks to public safety.
As part of these field operations, Shihab noted that work on the bridge requires a full closure of traffic at the Birouti Bridge until the project is completed. The director urged citizens and motorists to comply with the instructions issued by relevant authorities and to cooperate with field crews. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing alternative routes to ensure public safety and to allow technical teams to conduct their work efficiently.
These measures coincide with the response efforts undertaken by civil defense teams over the past 24 hours to address the impact of recent rainfall in various locations across the governorate. These operations included draining accumulated rainwater from several homes in the Al-Matar neighborhood of Al-Hasakah city. Furthermore, crews worked to clear floodwaters that had inundated portions of service facilities at the Ras Al-Ain hospital. These efforts were carried out to protect technical equipment and electrical generators, ensuring the continuity of medical services for the public.
In related precautionary measures, the Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Al-Saleh, issued an urgent appeal on Wednesday to residents in the Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Al-Hasakah governorates. The Minister urged citizens to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. He emphasized the importance of monitoring children’s safety and avoiding low-lying areas and flood paths. Furthermore, the Minister warned against the risks of attempting to cross any floods or water channels during the current weather system, stressing the necessity of these precautions to preserve lives as well as public and private property.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
