Euphrates water rise from Syria reaches Anbar, no flood risk, official says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An increase in Euphrates water flows released from Syria has reached Iraq's Anbar province, but the situation is under control and there is no flood risk, the head of the provincial Water Directorate, Mahmud Salim, said. He told Shafaq News that water levels are expected to rise further in the coming days and that the directorate is taking measures to keep local water projects running without disruption. Salim said crews are monitoring river levels and have implemented the precautions needed to keep Anbar's water facilities operating normally. The higher flows come in parallel with additional water released by Turkey, extending a period of increased hydrological activity along the river. On the Syrian side, the Energy Ministry has urged residents of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor to stay away from the riverbed and avoid swimming. The Agriculture Ministry has asked farmers, fish-farm owners and operators of facilities near the river to move pumps, motors and equipment to safe areas.