Water levels drop in the Euphrates river in Syria - in pictures

  • Fishermen in the Euphrates river, in western Raqqa, Syria. All photos: AFP
    Fishermen in the Euphrates river, in western Raqqa, Syria. All photos: AFP
  • The Euphrates is the longest river in Syria and one of the most important in the Middle East.
    The Euphrates is the longest river in Syria and one of the most important in the Middle East.
  • It flows from Turkey through Syria and Iraq, joining the Tigris river in Shatt Al Arab.
    It flows from Turkey through Syria and Iraq, joining the Tigris river in Shatt Al Arab.
  • In 1987, Turkey and Syria signed an agreement that the former would send 500 cubic metres of water per second down the Euphrates river.
    In 1987, Turkey and Syria signed an agreement that the former would send 500 cubic metres of water per second down the Euphrates river.
  • The volume is now down to 200 cubic metres per second.
    The volume is now down to 200 cubic metres per second.
  • Low water levels in the river are largely being caused by rising temperatures, low rainfall and drought.
    Low water levels in the river are largely being caused by rising temperatures, low rainfall and drought.
  • The decrease in the volume of water affects the supply for drinking water, agriculture and electricity being produced by hydroelectric dams.
    The decrease in the volume of water affects the supply for drinking water, agriculture and electricity being produced by hydroelectric dams.
  • More than five million people in the country depend on the Euphrates river.
    More than five million people in the country depend on the Euphrates river.
  • A man walks on the banks of the Euphrates.
    A man walks on the banks of the Euphrates.