Burkina Faso’s SONABEL begins 2026 Bagré Dam spillway discharge

Burkina Faso's power utility, SONABEL, announced on Thursday that it will begin releasing water from Bagré Dam on Friday, August 28, at 9:00 a.m. The decision comes after the dam's water level reached 234.64 metres, which is 95.19% of the reservoir's capacity, leaving it 0.36 metres short of its normal operating level of 235 metres. The Water Resources Commission (WRC) stated that this significant rise necessitated the controlled release to prevent further potential flooding.

The WRC had earlier suspended a planned spillage due to a decrease in the reservoir's water level. On Thursday, August 27, the WRC warned residents living along the White Volta River and surrounding areas to take immediate protective measures to safeguard their lives and property. They urged affected communities to adhere to safety instructions and directives issued by local assemblies and other relevant authorities to mitigate risks associated with the heightened water flow.

In response to the rising water levels, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) issued an urgent directive for residents living near the White Volta River and other vulnerable waterways to evacuate. NADMO cautioned that the increased water flow could impact riverbank communities and other flood-prone areas, advising residents to relocate to safer locations without delay.

The organization emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, following official updates, and adhering to instructions provided by NADMO and other responsible agencies.

The announcement has heightened concerns among communities in the White Volta basin, as previous releases from Bagré Dam have led to flooding, causing damage to homes, property, livelihoods, and economic activities in northern Ghana.