Floods hit low-lying areas in White Volta basin following Bagre Dam spillage

The water level of the White Volta River in Pwalugu surged dramatically, reaching 870 cm (8.70 m) on Friday, August 23, 2024, up from 810 cm (8.10 m) just the previous day.

This sharp 60 cm (0.6 m) rise is a direct result of the recent spillage from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso, which has caused significant downstream impacts in Ghana's Upper East Region.

The sudden increase in water levels has already led to flooding on several farms located in vulnerable low-lying areas, with crops now submerged and at risk of being destroyed.

This flooding poses a serious threat not only to the livelihoods of farmers but also to the food security of the region, as these areas are critical agricultural zones.

Robert Alpha, the District National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) officer in Talensi, confirmed the rise in water levels, emphasising the imminent danger to communities along the riverbanks.

He urged farmers and residents in these areas to exercise extreme caution and avoid floodwaters, warning that the situation could worsen if water levels continue to rise.