Damascus, Aug. 14 (SANA)The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management on Friday urged residents in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, particularly those living near theEuphrates River, to exercise the utmost caution as water releases from Kdeiran Dam are expected to gradually increase starting Saturday, Aug. 15.

The ministry said in a statement that, according to data from the Ministry of Energy, water releases will gradually increase from 600 to 800 cubic meters per second, based on operational and water conditions, while water levels along the Euphrates will continue to be monitored.

The increase could lead to higher water levels and faster currents in several areas along the riverbanks, requiring residents to take necessary preventive measures to protect public safety.

The ministry called on residents in the two governorates to remain vigilant, stay away from the river and low-lying areas vulnerable to rising water levels, and refrain from swimming or approaching the water while levels are increasing.

The Ministry of Energy announced earlier Friday that the General Establishment of the Euphrates Dam will begin gradually increasing water releases from Kdeiran Dam from 600 to 800 cubic meters per second starting Saturday.

The ministry said the measure comes amid a continued rise in water inflows into the Euphrates from the Turkish side, which have exceeded 1,200 cubic meters per second continuously for around 10 days.

The higher inflows are expected to continue through the end of August, according to the ministry.