Iraq Prepared to Handle Incoming Water Surge from Syria, Minister Says

INA

Iraq's Minister of Water Resources, Muthanna al-Tamimi.

Iraq's Minister of Water Resources, Muthanna al-Tamimi, affirmed that the Ministry of Water Resources is fully prepared to accommodate the anticipated water surge arriving from the Syrian side, stressing that there is no cause for concern for residents living along the banks of the Euphrates River.

During a press conference held on Friday, 29 May 2026, during his visit to the Haditha Dam in Anbar Governorate, al-Tamimi stated that the ministry had carried out a detailed field inspection to assess the nature of the potential floodwave originating from the Syrian border and to review the technical and administrative measures required to manage it.

He explained that ministry officials stationed at the dam, alongside the technical undersecretary, the dam director, and engineering and technical teams, had provided comprehensive assessments regarding the dam’s ability to absorb any incoming water volumes from Syria. He emphasised that the ministry is fully prepared to deal with any emergency situation.

Al-Tamimi noted that data received from the Syrian side indicates that the expected water surge will remain within normal levels, adding that Haditha Dam is capable of handling the quantities without causing any alarming consequences.

The minister further stated that the technical reports presented by the dam’s administration were reassuring, highlighting that the anticipated increase in water storage would be both positive and significant, particularly after previous years marked by severe declines in water levels and shortages in reserves.

He added that the ministry is operating under a comprehensive strategy aimed at accommodating incoming water volumes while ensuring their optimal use to strengthen Iraq’s strategic reserves and support this year’s summer water plan.

Addressing public concerns among communities living near the Euphrates River, al-Tamimi stressed that all technical and security assessments confirm there is no reason for alarm. He said coordination remains ongoing with authorities in Anbar Governorate, security agencies, and the Operations Command.

The minister also confirmed that the Ground Forces Command, security services, and local authorities are fully prepared to respond to any potential emergency, adding that the situation remains stable and is progressing smoothly without complications.

According to al-Tamimi, the current water release rate stands at approximately 700 cubic metres per second, which he described as being within safe and reasonable limits. He emphasised that the ministry continues to monitor developments directly and around the clock.

Regarding the possibility of using the incoming water flows to reinforce reserves, al-Tamimi stated that the ministry’s policy is based on preserving all available water resources. He noted that Iraq’s water reserves had been critically low several months ago, but that the current situation is now “much better and promising”.

He also pointed out that Iraq continues to strengthen cooperation and understanding with upstream countries through which the Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow, in a manner that serves mutual interests and contributes to long-term water stability.

Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources announced last Monday that it had not recorded any sudden or unusual increase in water levels in the Euphrates River following Syrian warnings of possible flooding.

The ministry stated that technical teams and specialised staff had been mobilised to receive any additional water flows and direct them towards Iraq’s strategic water reserves.

Earlier on Monday, Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management warned of potential flooding in the provinces of Raqqa Governorate and Deir ez-Zor Governorate after water discharge from the Euphrates Dam was increased to 1,500 cubic metres per second.

According to Syrian authorities, water levels in some areas could rise by more than two metres above normal levels.



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