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.
The planned spillage follows a significant rise in the dam’s water level, which stood at 234.64 metres as of Thursday, August 27.
The WRC said the level represents a 95.19% filling rate, leaving the reservoir just 0.36 metres below its normal operating level of 235 metres.
According to the Commission, the increase has made the controlled release necessary after an earlier planned spillage was suspended following a drop in the reservoir’s water level.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, the WRC cautioned residents living along the White Volta River and nearby areas to take immediate steps 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 minimise the risks associated with the increased water flow.
Meanwhile, 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.
The 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.
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