Authorities in Burkina Faso have announced an earlier-than-planned spillage of the Bagre Dam, moving the date from Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to Monday, August 25, 2025.
In an official statement, SONABEL—the national electricity company managing both the Bagre and Kompienga dams—explained that the decision was prompted by recent heavy rainfall that caused water levels to rise faster than previously anticipated.
“SONABEL informs communities located downstream of the Bagre hydroelectric dam that, due to heavy rainfall in recent days, the dam’s water level has reached a critical threshold. This necessitates an accelerated release of excess water,” the agency stated.
As of Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Bagre Dam had reached a height of 234.27 meters, translating to a 90.24% filling rate—just 0.73 meters below its maximum capacity. Similarly, the Kompienga Dam recorded a level of 177.90 meters, equivalent to 79.36% of its capacity and only 2.10 meters short of its maximum retention level.
Given the unexpectedly rapid rise in water levels, SONABEL announced it would begin releasing water through the dam’s spillway on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 08:00 AM—two days earlier than initially scheduled.
Residents and communities downstream have been advised to remain vigilant and to take all necessary precautions to protect life and property from potential flooding.
“SONABEL urges all downstream populations to stay alert and take appropriate measures to safeguard themselves against any risks associated with the spillage,” the statement concluded.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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