Euphrates River floods force evacuations in eastern Syria

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:01]What was once a dry riverbed is now swallowing roads, homes, and farmlands across parts of Deir ez-Zor. The sudden rise in water levels along the Euphrates River has pushed floodwaters deep into residential areas, forcing hundreds of families to evacuate with little time to prepare. Bassam said he was lucky water hasn't reached his house yet.

[00:00:23]>> The residents of Deir ez-Zor have suffered greatly, and people are now starting to leave behind their belongings, taking only the most precious things with them. We ask the government to maintain control of the situation as the water is still rising, and people are frightened. The situation is disastrous.

[00:00:41]>> But after a few minutes later, the floods hit.

[00:00:44]Emergency and local teams have been deployed across affected areas as the situation deteriorates. Several roads have become inaccessible and bridges damaged after floodwaters swept through low-lying areas, complicating rescue and relief efforts.

[00:01:01]>> All bridges have been flooded, and this is the only road leading to our neighborhood. So, everyone is using it.

[00:01:08]The water has also reached the farmlands, and fortunately, people managed to move their cattle before the flooding.

[00:01:15]Teams are helping residents, but we fear that if the water rises any further, our houses could be completely submerged.

[00:01:25]>> More than 1,600 families have been told to evacuate their homes as water levels in the Euphrates River continue to rise.

[00:01:33]Syrian authorities say emergency teams are working at full capacity, with flooding damaging critical infrastructure and cutting off access to several key areas.

[00:01:43]Authorities say the response operation remains challenging, particularly in areas still contaminated by remnants of war and unexploded ammunition. Earth barriers are now being constructed in in attempt to contain the advancing waters and prevent further flooding.

[00:02:01]>> We are building earth barriers in these areas due to the rising water levels of the Euphrates, which have started reaching residential areas. One of the main challenges we are facing is that many areas have not yet been cleared of unexploded ammunition. So, we have requested further support. We have moved some families inland to stay with relatives while we continue coordinating plans with the joint operations teams.

[00:02:25]>> As emergency crews race to contain the flooding, many residents remain uncertain about when or if they will be able to return home.

[00:02:34]And they say the river that once sustained daily life here is now driving thousands into displacement once again.

[00:02:40]From RT World, Deir ez-Zor, Syria.

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