The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has announced that Burkina Faso’s power utility, SONABEL, will begin the controlled release of water from the Bagré Dam at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, commencing a significant rise in the dam’s water level. This development follows a substantial increase in the dam’s water level, which reached 234.64 metres as of Thursday, August 27. The WRC stated that the planned spillage represents a 95.19% filling rate, leaving the reservoir just 0.36 metres below its normal operating level of 235 metres. This increase has necessitated the controlled release following a suspension of an earlier planned spillage, which was initiated after a drop in the reservoir’s water level. The WRC issued a statement on Thursday, August 27, warning residents living along the White Volta River and nearby areas to take immediate measures to protect their lives and property. It also urged affected communities to comply with safety instructions and directives from local assemblies and other relevant authorities to minimize risks associated with the increased water flow. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued an urgent directive for residents along the banks of the White Volta River and other vulnerable waterways to evacuate. NADMO warned that the increased water flow could affect riverbank communities and other flood-prone areas, urging residents to move to safer locations without delay. The organisation further advised the public to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and comply with instructions from NADMO and other responsible agencies. This latest announcement has renewed concerns among communities within the White Volta basin, which have previously experienced flooding following releases from the Bagré Dam. Such incidents have resulted in damage to homes, property, livelihoods, and economic activities in parts of northern Ghana. The WRC emphasized the importance of monitoring the water level closely and ensuring appropriate safety protocols are followed during the release process. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The precise impact of this increased water flow on downstream communities remains to be assessed.
Source: Adom Online
