Bagré Dam Spillage Begins Today as Water Level Hits 95.19%
WRC warns White Volta communities to protect lives and property as NADMO orders residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate.
- Bagré Dam spillage begins at 9:00 a.m. today
- Water level rises to 95.19% capacity
- NADMO orders vulnerable residents to evacuate
The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has announced that Burkina Faso’s power utility, SONABEL, will begin the controlled spillage of water from the Bagré Dam at 9:00 a.m. today, Friday, August 28, 2026.
The decision follows a significant rise in the dam’s water level, which reached 234.64 metres on Thursday, representing a 95.19% filling rate and leaving the reservoir just 0.36 metres below its normal operating level of 235 metres.
The WRC said the controlled release became necessary after an earlier planned spillage was suspended due to a drop in the reservoir’s water level.
The Commission has urged residents along the White Volta River and surrounding vulnerable communities to take immediate steps to protect their lives and property and comply with safety directives from local authorities.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has directed residents living along the banks of the White Volta River and other flood-prone waterways to evacuate to safer locations.
NADMO has also advised the public to remain vigilant, follow official updates and comply with instructions from relevant authorities as the increased water flow could heighten the risk of flooding.
The development has renewed concerns among communities within the White Volta basin, which have previously suffered flooding linked to releases from the Bagré Dam, resulting in damage to homes, property, livelihoods and economic activities.
