Euphrates water levels rise south of Najaf, bringing relief to farmers and herders

NAJAF — Water levels in the Euphrates River have risen noticeably over the past three days in areas south of Najaf, offering much-needed relief to farmers and buffalo herders in Shatt al-Mishkhab and Umm Khashm, local engineers and residents said.

The improvement follows increased water releases from the Kufa Barrage, along with maintenance efforts by the Water Resources Directorate on key pumping stations between the Hindiya and Kufa barrages.

“The increase in water releases from the Kufa Barrage is the main reason for the rise in water levels in Shatt al-Mishkhab,” said Baha’a Najah, a resident engineer working on water resources projects in Kufa. “The Water Resources Directorate also carried out a pump stabilization campaign from the downstream of the Hindiya Barrage to the upstream of the Kufa Barrage, which helped improve the river’s discharge.”

Najah said the flow rate increased by 5 cubic meters per second and is expected to rise further in the coming days. He noted that inflows from Turkey are currently being directed to the Mosul and Haditha dams for storage.

Buffalo herders in the region say the rising water has already had a positive effect on livestock and daily routines.

“The buffalo owner feels at ease when he sees the water high, and if the livestock are comfortable, so is he,” said herder Tahseen Shailon. “Today is the third day the water has risen in Shatt al-Mishkhab. It’s gone up by about a meter. Honestly, we felt great joy. Children are swimming here alongside the buffalo.”

Shailon explained that rising water levels help replenish grazing areas. “When the water rises, it reaches the lowlands, and grass starts to grow. We collect that as fodder for the buffalo,” he said. “The buffalo become more active, and the water helps clean insects off their bodies.”

Locals say the scene along the river has shifted visibly, with herds returning to the banks and children playing in the water. Many hope the improved conditions will continue as water management efforts persist.