25.05.2026 12:20
In Şanlıurfa, the water level in the Euphrates River, which passes through the Birecik district, rose by 5-6 meters after the discharge gates of the Atatürk Dam were opened. Due to the increase in water level, a picnic area, a national park, and floating restaurants along the riverbank were flooded. Security measures in the region have been increased.
Following the effective rainfall in recent months, the occupancy rate of the Ataturk Dam has increased, leading to the initiation of controlled water discharge. By the teams of the 15th Regional Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSI), the dam's discharge gates were opened after 7 years as part of the measures taken against possible flood risks.
The controlled water release from the dam, located on the Euphrates River and providing a significant contribution to the regional economy in terms of agricultural irrigation and energy production, resulted in a noticeable rise in the river's water level.
WATER LEVEL RISES IN THE EUPHRATES RIVER
With the opening of the Ataturk Dam's gates, the water level of the Euphrates River, passing through the Birecik district center, rose by approximately 5-6 meters. While the coastal section along the river was submerged, the coastal road was also closed to traffic due to the resulting water accumulation.
NATIONAL GARDEN AND RESTAURANTS CLOSED
Citizen Hüseyin Bozkurt, stating that the river level has risen this high for the first time in years, expressed that the coastal roads, parks, and floating restaurants were submerged and requested authorities to take measures. Due to the rising water level, the national park located near the coast and the floating restaurants on the river were temporarily closed. Security measures are ongoing in the region against possible risks.