Egypt Addresses Rising Nile Water Levels, Assures Public of Management Measures

The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has released an official statement addressing recent concerns regarding rising water levels in the Nile River and its branches, Rashid and Damietta. The ministry emphasized that the flooding observed in some river floodplains is a result of water management practices and not indicative of a natural disaster.

According to the ministry, these actions are part of a national initiative aimed at regulating the Nile, which seeks to eliminate violations along the river's course and enhance its efficiency to ensure the safe passage of water flows.

**Causes of Rising Water Levels**

The ministry confirmed that the increase in water levels is attributed to:

- Seasonal natural flooding, also referred to as "artificial flooding" due to uncontrolled or sudden flows from the river's upper reaches, particularly from the Nile's sources.

The ministry stressed that the floodplains are a vital component of the river's water management system as per legal guidelines, and their inundation during periods of increased water input is a normal occurrence that does not signify a failure in the system.

**Technical Measures for Protection**

The ministry announced that urgent measures have been implemented to drain excess water through the Nile's branches (Rashid and Damietta) to:

- Ensure the safety of water facilities,
- Maintain the balance and efficiency of the water management system,
- Protect the river from pollution caused by stagnant water accumulation.

All water usage decisions are made in full coordination with relevant authorities in Egypt, considering the agricultural intervals between summer and winter seasons to minimize impacts on existing crops.

**Prior Warnings Regarding Violations**

The ministry noted that local authorities were previously informed about the necessity of removing all forms of violations along both sides of the river to prevent rising water levels or damage during water management operations.

In this context, the city of Ashmoun in Menufia Governorate has urged residents and farmers to vacate their lands and homes in the river floodplains in anticipation of rising water levels and flooding in low-lying areas. They emphasized the importance of refraining from planting crops in these areas temporarily to avoid economic losses and safety risks.