Bagre Dam below spillage level, WRC monitoring situation
SONABEL, operators of Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam, have postponed the planned controlled water spillage as the reservoir level remains below the threshold.
The Bagre Dam, operated by SONABEL in Burkina Faso, has not yet reached the stage where planned controlled water spillage would occur as the reservoir level is currently below the designated threshold. The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has stated that the spillage will commence once the reservoir height reaches 234.50 metres, and they are diligently monitoring the level.
As of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the reservoir stood at 233.08 metres, with a filling rate of 75.40 percent. This marks it 1.92 metres below the normal reservoir level of 235.00 metres. The WRC has been closely tracking the situation and pledged to inform all stakeholders and the public about the exact date and time of the controlled water release from the Bagre Dam.
On August 5, the Commission had already alerted communities residing along the White Volta and its surrounding areas to take necessary precautions against potential flooding in anticipation of the scheduled spillage. The spill was originally set to begin on Tuesday, August 11, if the reservoir height reached 234.00 metres. On August 4, the reservoir level was measured at 232.92 metres, corresponding to a filling rate of 62.77 percent.
The WRC has advised residents to adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities and relevant agencies. Additionally, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region has cautioned fishermen, canoe operators, parents, and children against engaging in non-essential activities around the lake and other bodies of water.
Residents have been urged not to swim, cross flooded waterways, or allow children to venture near rising water levels.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
