Deir ez-Zor Authorities Reinforce Euphrates Earth Bridge
Authorities in Deir ez-Zor have completed urgent preventative works to reinforce the earth bridge spanning the Euphrates River, ensuring the vital transport link remains operational as water levels continue to rise. The intervention was carried out by the Emergency Response Committee, represented by the Technical Services Directorate, as part of a broader effort to safeguard provincial infrastructure.
According to provincial officials, the reinforcement project focused on the western side of the earth bridge, where crews constructed a protective earthen embankment. This measure is intended to stabilize the structure against the increased pressure of the rising river flow, thereby preventing potential damage that could disrupt travel and transit between the two banks of the Euphrates.
This infrastructure work coincides with an official advisory issued by the Syrian Ministry of Energy regarding the current status of the Euphrates River. The ministry has warned residents in the Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates, particularly those residing in close proximity to the riverbanks, to exercise increased caution. Authorities have specifically urged the public to avoid the river, its banks, and any swimming activities as water volumes are scheduled to rise.
The General Organization for the Euphrates Dam announced that it would begin a phased increase in the volume of water released from the Kideeran Dam starting tomorrow, Saturday, August 15. The discharge rate is set to be raised gradually from 600 to 800 cubic meters per second. This operational adjustment follows a sustained increase in water inflows into the Syrian section of the Euphrates from the Turkish side, which has consistently exceeded 1,200 cubic meters per second over the past ten days. Current hydrological data and water intake projections suggest that these elevated levels are expected to persist through the end of the month.
Local authorities emphasize that these precautionary actions are essential to balancing the needs of infrastructure stability with the management of changing environmental conditions. Residents are advised to continue monitoring official updates as the situation evolves and to adhere to safety protocols while moving near the river’s path.
