RAQQA — Water levels in the Euphrates River rose over the past two days in northern and eastern Syria, causing flooding in the provinces of Raqqa and Deir el-Zour. Syrian authorities urged residents living along the riverbanks to move inland as floodwaters damaged homes, businesses, and agricultural fields.

The flooding followed higher-than-usual rainfall this year, which led officials to open gates at the Euphrates Dam to relieve pressure on the structure. According to the state news agency SANA, the water flow reached about 1,800 cubic meters (63,566 cubic feet) per second after the dam gates were opened. SANA warned that river levels could rise by an additional 2 meters (6.5 feet) in the coming hours. Flooding from the Euphrates has been rare in Syria since Turkey constructed dams decades ago that regulate the river’s flow into Syria and Iraq.

No casualties have been reported from the flooding. Syria’s Civil Defense issued multiple advisories, warning people not to swim in the river, avoid crossing small bridges or using boats, and move livestock to higher ground.

Mohammed Amin, 65, said his Greek House restaurant in Raqqa was partially submerged, causing thousands of dollars in damage. “Our losses are huge.” Amin said refrigerators were not working and more than 200 chairs on the river’s edge were washed away. In the main hall of his restaurant, water stood several centimeters high, with fish swimming inside.

Sabha Mohammed, 50, who was displaced from Maadan in Raqqa province, lost most of her belongings when floodwaters entered the tent where she lives on the riverbank. “It was early in the morning when the flood began.”