Flash Floods Kill Seven in Syria as Rescue Teams Search for Missing People
Damascus, October 31, 2026 – Severe flooding triggered by days of heavy rainfall has claimed seven lives in eastern Syria, including five children, while emergency teams continue searching for four people reported missing.
According to Syrian authorities, torrential rain caused flash floods across several parts of the country, leaving seven people injured and damaging roads, homes and public infrastructure.
Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh confirmed that rescue operations were continuing in the affected areas as authorities worked to assist residents trapped by rising floodwaters.
Five Children Among the Victims
Five children lost their lives after drowning in pools of water formed by the sudden flooding, according to the minister.
Another person reportedly died in a traffic accident linked to the severe weather. Authorities have not yet provided full details surrounding the seventh fatality.
The disaster has raised concerns about the risks faced by families and children during periods of extreme rainfall, particularly in areas with limited drainage infrastructure.
Four people remain missing, with search and rescue teams continuing their efforts to locate them.
Several Syrian Provinces Hit by Flooding
The heavy rainfall has affected multiple regions, including Raqqa, Deir al-Zor and Hasakah, as well as parts of Aleppo.
Floodwaters have damaged infrastructure, blocked roads and forced families to leave their homes. In some areas, damaged bridges and collapsed drainage structures have further complicated access for emergency responders.
Authorities have also reported disruptions to road networks and telecommunications services in parts of Deir al-Zor.
Hundreds of Emergency Operations Carried Out
Syrian Civil Defence teams have been working around the clock to respond to the crisis.
Minister Raed al-Saleh said emergency crews had conducted more than 550 operations since the storms began and responded to over 900 distress calls.
Rescue teams have also:
- Saved 60 people who became trapped by floodwaters.
- Evacuated more than 350 students from two schools.
- Helped 375 families leave camps in Raqqa province.
- Responded to flooding in displacement camps in rural Aleppo and Idlib.
- Removed floodwater from approximately 250 homes and public buildings.
Emergency workers are continuing to assess damage and provide assistance to affected communities.
More Rain Could Complicate Recovery Efforts
Unstable weather conditions have affected much of Syria since Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to several regions.
Authorities suspended classes in Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir al-Zor as a precaution while emergency teams continued their operations.
Weather forecasts indicated that unsettled conditions could persist through Saturday, raising concerns about further flooding and additional disruption.
With several communities already affected, authorities are focusing on rescue operations, evacuations and restoring access to damaged areas.
The situation remains under observation as emergency teams continue searching for missing people and supporting families displaced by the floods.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM), Syrian authorities and Reuters reporting. This article has been independently rewritten for publication.
