Five children among seven dead in Syria floods

Seven people, including five children, lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries due to flash floods triggered by torrential rains in eastern Syria, according to authorities who reported the incident on Friday. Four individuals remain unaccounted for, and rescue teams are actively searching through the inundated regions. Emergency and disaster management minister Raed al-Saleh disclosed these details via a statement on X.

The tragic floods affected the eastern provinces of Raqqa, Deir al-Zor, and Hasakah, as well as specific areas of Aleppo. These events caused significant damage to infrastructure, blocked roads, and compelled families to abandon their homes. Syria's civil defense units have undertaken over 550 emergency operations since the onset of the storms, successfully rescuing 60 people trapped by floodwater and replying to more than 900 distress calls, stated Saleh.

Emergency crews swiftly evacuated more than 350 students from two schools and assisted 375 families residing in camps in Raqqa province. Teams also provided aid to flooding at camps in rural Aleppo and Idlib, as well as pumped water out of around 250 homes and public buildings. In Deir al-Zor, the floods inflicted damage on roads and telecommunications infrastructure, hindering transport and communications, reported state news agency SANA.

Heavy rainfall led to the collapse of seven culverts, obstructing access to several areas. In response, authorities suspended classes in Raqqa, Hasakah, and Deir al-Zor on Thursday. Forecasts cautioned that unsettled weather conditions might persist into Saturday.