Five killed, including four children, as flash floods sweep across Syria

At least five people, including four young children, have tragically perished and several others remain missing after severe flooding and flash floods devastated regions of Syria, the Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management reported on Thursday. The fatalities were recorded in the governorates of Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Aleppo, while the Syrian Civil Defence teams are currently searching for the missing individuals in Raqqa.

Authorities have deployed rescue teams to various locations, including Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, Hama, Homs, and Latakia, to mitigate the impacts of the disaster and safeguard lives and property.

Since Wednesday evening, Syrian Civil Defence teams have carried out a total of 165 emergency operations, successfully rescuing 15 civilians trapped by the rising floodwaters and evacuating approximately 375 families from affected camps. The floods have caused significant damage, rendering seven bridges, culverts, and unpaved roads impassable, which has disrupted transportation and access to several regions.

Emergency operations have been conducted across multiple governorates, with rescue teams supported by engineering equipment and other relevant authorities, working tirelessly to protect lives and property, assist stranded residents, and restore access to damaged roads and essential public infrastructure. The ministry has received over 350 emergency reports, which are being prioritized according to their urgency, with life-threatening situations receiving immediate attention, followed by efforts to protect property and restore access to roads and public facilities.

As the aftermath of the severe weather continues to unfold, search and rescue operations remain ongoing as emergency teams remain committed to their mission of providing aid and support to those affected by the devastating floods.