Raqqa province witnessed a severe rainstorm last night that caused flash floods and inundations, resulting in human and material damage in several areas. Response and emergency teams carried out rescue and evacuation operations for individuals and families trapped by the floods, including women and children.
The Ministry of Emergency Affairs and Disaster Management confirmed the death of five people, including four children, and the disappearance of five others in the rural areas of Raqqa, Deir Ezzor, and Aleppo, due to flash floods and rainfall that affected several provinces, noting that search operations for the missing are ongoing.
Bridge collapses and road disruptions
Raqqa province stated in a statement on Thursday that flash floods led to the collapse of the Al-Salmani bridge west of the city of Tabqa, and the disruption of the international Aleppo-Raqqa road at the bridge site. Additionally, the Maadan-Deir Ezzor road was cut off due to the washout of the Khaneifis bridge bypass, as well as the Mansoura-Rasafa secondary road. Partial damage was also recorded in the Kasrat Surour and Al-Kanatri bridges; the road at Kasrat Surour bridge was treated, while work continues to open the international Aleppo-Raqqa road on an emergency basis.
Water and electricity station failures
Regarding basic services, the governorate noted that several drinking water stations in the areas of Al-Karama, Al-Sabkha, and Maadan temporarily went out of service due to increased river water turbidity and voltage drops, along with an electrical fault at the Milaj station. The suspended stations are expected to return to service tomorrow, Friday, after necessary treatment is completed. Additionally, a fault in one of the transformers at the Al-Furusiya station caused the shutdown of several electrical outlets supplying the areas of Muawiyah, Al-Rumaniyah, Al-Andalus, Al-Sbahia, Al-Qitar, and Al-Hawd, with maintenance work to be completed within the day or tomorrow.
Rescue operations and warnings
In the context of emergency response, the governorate clarified that government authorities and emergency teams continue to carry out rescue and evacuation operations, open drainage channels, culverts, and water passages, and build earthen embankments to protect homes in affected sites, alongside repairing damage to roads and infrastructure. The governorate confirmed that relevant authorities are continuing efforts to assess damage, monitor response and maintenance work, and rehabilitate damaged sites, urging citizens to exercise the highest degree of caution, stay away from flood channels, damaged roads, and bridges, and comply with instructions and guidelines issued by official authorities.
The provinces of Raqqa, Al-Hasakah, and Deir Ezzor, in addition to areas in eastern Homs, Hama, and Aleppo, witnessed thunderous rainfall accompanied by hail and strong downdraft winds, which led to floods, flash floods, wadi flows, and the cutting of several roads.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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