Syria warns residents along Euphrates against swimming as water levels rise

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syrian authorities have warned residents living near the Euphrates River to avoid swimming in the water, citing rising levels and stronger currents in areas west of Deir ez-Zor. Officials said the increase in water levels has been driven by the opening of dam gates, which has intensified the flow through the river. According to the warning, the surge of water released from the dams could reach Iraqi territory within a short period. The statement, reported by Syrian state media, urged people in riverside settlements to take precautions during this period. The Euphrates flows from eastern Syria into Iraq, where it continues toward the southern governorates. Earlier this year, Iraqi authorities also issued warnings to residents along the river as Baghdad and other provinces faced seasonal flooding along the Tigris and Euphrates. The Syrian authorities did not provide further details on the scale of the water release or the specific dams involved. No injuries or damage from the rising waters were immediately reported.