About 1K acres on riverbanks affected by excessive rise in Nile waterHead of farmers’ Syndicate

CAIRO – 4 October 2025: Hussein Abdel-Rahman Abu Saddam, General Secretary of the Farmers Syndicate, stated that the total flooded area of the Nile delta due to the Ethiopian man-made floods does not exceed 1,000 acres, and only a small portion, limited to dozens of acres, had been cultivated.

He added, in a statement on Saturday, that flooding of some agricultural land and houses along the Nile was expected and normal for this time of year, but does not warrant concern or alarm. 

He emphasized that the Egyptian government had already warned farmers against cultivating these low-lying areas, as they are technically part of the Nile River. The majority of farmers complied and refrained from planting crops there.

He stressed that compensating those affected is the responsibility of the Egyptian state, even though the tenants of these lands are fully aware of the annual flooding risks. He also noted that many of the homes built on these lands are constructed illegally.

"Every October, the Nile River rises," Abu Saddam explained, adding that farmers living near the riverbanks are accustomed to this phenomenon and own boats to navigate between islands and fields during periods of high water. He cited the recent flooding in Delhamo village, located in Ashmoun city, Menoufia Governorate, as an example of a predictable event, given that the affected lands are part of the riverbed and are used for drainage when Nile water levels rise.

He also highlighted the role of the Aswan High Dam in regulating irrigation and water discharge to protect Egypt from both floods and droughts, asserting that the government possesses the resources and plans necessary to address such challenges.

Abu Saddam strongly rejected what he described as exaggerated and malicious claims about widespread flooding in Menoufia and Beheira governorates, stating that the damage to crops in certain areas is largely due to farmers' failure to follow government instructions, a situation they were warned about in advance.

Nevertheless, he called on the government to support affected families and ease their burdens. He also urged the state to study and upgrade bridges near and leading to Nile islands; provide lighting and improve access infrastructure; reduce rents on riverside lands; and offer additional support and services to Nile-side farmers.

Finally, Abu Saddam urged farmers to stay alert and take precautionary measures, as Nile water levels are expected to continue rising until the end of October. He emphasized the importance of complying with government guidelines to prevent damage and ensure the safety of all those living and farming near the river.