A picture of the Bagre Dam
The Water Resources Commission has announced that water spillage from Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam began on Monday, August 19, 2024.
This spillage is anticipated to cause the White Volta River to flood its banks, posing a serious threat to nearby communities.
“The spillage is expected to make the White Volta River overflow and spread across its usual flood plains,” the commission highlighted in a statement.
In response, the Director of Communications for the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), George Ayisi has issued a warning to communities along the White Volta River, urging them to take necessary precautions to minimize the potential impact.
“Residents along the White Volta River have been advised to take precautionary measures to prevent severe consequences,” he stated.
During an interview on GHOne TV, Mr. Ayisi reassured the public that NADMO is fully prepared and has already deployed personnel to the regions likely to be affected.
“NADMO is actively on the ground. We’ve received information from the SONABEL authorities in Burkina Faso, who manage the Bagre Dam, that the water level has risen to about 2.32 meters, making it unsafe. As a result, the spillage began today,” he confirmed.
The regions most at risk include Upper East, Talensi, Zebula, Nakdam, Pusiga, and Bawku districts in the Region, with potential effects extending to the Northeast, Northern, Savannah regions, and possibly Upper West Region.
“Our district and zonal officers are already in these areas, conducting community awareness campaigns and advising residents to relocate their livestock and themselves to safer locations,” he added.
NADMO is working in collaboration with local assemblies, security forces, and traditional leaders to ensure the safety of the affected populations.
“We are coordinating efforts with the assemblies, police, security agencies, traditional authorities, assembly members, and local leaders, and we are receiving good cooperation so far,” he noted.
Fortunately, Ghana has three to six days to prepare before the effects of the spillage reach downstream areas.
“We are using this three to six-day window to ensure that people are adequately prepared to deal with the impact when it arrives,” George AEC emphasized, urging residents to follow the advice and move to safer areas.
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