The Water Resources Commission has announced that spillage from Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam began on August 19, 2024.
This release is expected to cause the White Volta River to overflow its banks, threatening nearby communities.
According to the commission, “The spillage will likely lead to the White Volta River overflowing and flooding its usual areas.”
In light of this, George Ayisi, Director of Communications for the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), has urged communities along the river to take precautionary measures to reduce potential damage.
“Residents in the affected areas are advised to implement safety measures to mitigate severe outcomes,” Ayisi said.
In an interview, Ayisi assured that NADMO is actively engaged and has deployed personnel to monitor and assist in the vulnerable regions.
“NADMO is on the ground, and we have been informed by the SONABEL authorities in Burkina Faso that the water level at Bagre Dam has risen to 2.32 meters, necessitating the spillage,” he confirmed.
The areas most at risk include Upper East, Talensi, Zebula, Nakdam, Pusiga, and Bawku districts, with potential impacts extending to the Northeast, Northern, Savannah, and possibly Upper West regions.
“Our teams are already in the field, educating communities and advising residents to move their livestock and themselves to safer locations,” Ayisi added.
NADMO is collaborating with local assemblies, security forces, and traditional leaders to ensure community safety.
“We are working closely with assemblies, police, and local leaders, and the cooperation has been positive,” Ayisi said.
Ghana has a window of three to six days to prepare before the spillage impacts downstream areas.
“We are utilizing this time to ensure that people are ready to handle the situation effectively,” Ayisi emphasized, urging residents to heed the advice and relocate as necessary.
