afrinpost
Afrin Post has obtained exclusive information revealing that cracks have appeared in the Medanki Dam in Shara/Sharan district, in the countryside of Afrin. The damage was caused by the earthquake that hit the region on February 6th, and it has raised concerns about the stability of the dam. The specialized committee responsible for monitoring the dam safety examined the cracks on February 8, 2023, and took maintenance measures to seal the cracks with bitumen on February 11.
Despite this, the local council affiliated with the Turkish authorities recently opened the dam’s gate partially, claiming that the water is being pumped into irrigation channels to meet the needs of farmers for irrigation purposes. However, it is still premature to open the irrigation channels, as it is usually done on April 20th each year.
According to special sources, the local council in Afrin is attempting to conceal issues with the Medanki Dam by opening irrigation channels to reduce pressure on the water. Additionally, the council is reportedly prohibiting access to the dam and filming its body, raising concerns about the extent of the damage
The cracks and fissures in the Medanki Dam bridge are alarming, as they pose a risk of the dam collapsing if aftershocks continue. This could endanger the lives of thousands of people in the surrounding areas. The local authorities must take urgent action to ensure the dam’s safety and protect the lives and livelihoods of the people in the region.
(afrinpost will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.)
