Farmers in eastern Syria are facing significant losses after unprecedented flooding along the Euphrates River, caused by heavy rainfall and increased water releases from Turkey, submerged vast agricultural lands and damaged homes.
The Syrian authorities have described the rise in water levels along the Euphrates River, which flows through Raqa and Deir Ezzor provinces, as "exceptional." The deluge has inundated fields, destroyed homes, washed out bridges and crossings, and disrupted essential water pumping stations for both drinking water and irrigation.
One affected farmer, Issa al-Moussa, described the devastation to his six-dunams (6,000 square meters) wheat crop, stating, "This land is lost." His livelihood is now in jeopardy, with no alternative income to support his family. The energy ministry attributed the floods to a "significant and unprecedented increase in water flows from the Turkish side," a sentiment echoed by local farmers who claim they were not adequately warned of the potential dam releases.
Authorities have estimated approximately 5,000 dunams (5 square kilometers) of land in Deir Ezzor and 1,500 dunams in the Raqa region have been flooded. Beyond agricultural damage, approximately 60 water pumping stations have ceased operations due to a four-meter rise in water levels. The collapse of a temporary earthen bridge has also complicated transportation between riverbanks, forcing residents to resort to dangerous boat crossings.
In response to the crisis, described as the worst in 30 years, authorities are reinforcing barriers and preparing for potential evacuations. While the Euphrates Dam spillway was closed to mitigate flows, and water levels have reportedly dropped by about 60 centimeters in Raqa over 24 hours, the situation remains critical for those displaced and whose crops have been destroyed.
Farmers like Mohammed Khodr al-Hussein, who lost his home and possessions in the sudden night-time surge, expressed despair. "We farmers live season by season. We borrow at the beginning of each season and wait for the harvest to pay off our debts. Today, our losses are twofold: our money is gone, our crops are gone, and the wheat is no longer fit for harvesting." Farmers are appealing to the government for compensation, financial assistance, and support with essential agricultural resources.
