A flood alert has been issued for the Upper East, North East, and Northern Regions of Ghana due to the impending release of excess water from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso on Monday, August 19, 2024.
The decision to spill the dam has been made by SONABEL, the Power Utility of Burkina Faso, as water levels have reached a critical threshold, making the spillage necessary to prevent a potentially catastrophic overflow.
A letter issued by the White Volta Basin Secretariat of the Water Resources Commission on August 16th, 2024 issued warnings to regional authorities and residents, advising them to take immediate precautions to safeguard themselves and their properties from the expected floodwaters.
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According to the letter, the most recent update from SONABEL confirmed that the upstream level of the Bagre Dam had reached 232.82 meters and was continuing to rise. As a result, SONABEL has scheduled the release of water from the dam to commence by Monday, August 19, 2024.
The Commission has further advised all residents along the White Volta River to implement precautionary measures to avoid any adverse consequences resulting from the spillage.
It was also stated that additional information would be provided as it becomes available, to assist in flood management efforts.
In light of this development, regional authorities and residents have been encouraged to stay informed and prepare for the anticipated flooding.
The situation remains critical, and the timely release of water from the Bagre Dam is intended to mitigate the risk of a more severe flood disaster in the affected regions.
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Read full text below:
SPILLAGE OF WATER FROM THE BAGRE DAM IN BURJINA FASO
The Water Resources Commission has been advised by SONABEL, the Power Utility of Burkina Faso on Wednesday August 16th 2024 that the level of water in the Bagre Dam has been rising since Friday August 2 2024.
Update from SONABEL this afternoon indicate that the upstream level of the Bagre Dum is 232.82m and rising. Consequently, SONABEL will commence the spillage of water from the Bagre Dam by Monday August 19, 2024.
The spillage of water may cause the White Volta River to overflow its banks and likely occupy its normal flood plains.
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Residents along the banks of the White Volta River are to accordingly be advised to take precautionary measures to avoid being adversely affected.
This is to inform you for your further action relating to flood management. We will furnish you with additional information on this matter as this becomes available to us.
Counting on your co-operation.
Yours faithfully.
Jesse Kazapoe (Basin Director) For: Executive Secretary
