Update: Bagre Dam Below Spillage Level, WRC Monitoring Situation

Ouagadougou: SONABEL, operators of Burkina Faso's Bagre Dam, have postponed the planned controlled water spillage as the reservoir level remains below the threshold. According to Ghana News Agency, the Water Resources Commission stated that the spillage would commence once the reservoir reaches 234.50 metres and emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation. The Commission released this information in a statement on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The current reservoir level is reported to be at 233.08 metres, equating to a filling rate of 75.40 per cent. The Commission highlighted that the reservoir level is currently 1.92 metres below the standard reservoir level of 235.00 metres. It assured stakeholders and the public that updates regarding the date and time of the controlled water spillage from the Bagre Dam would be provided. Continuous monitoring and updates on the reservoir level are being conducted. On August 5, the Commission alerted communities along the White Volta and surrounding areas to p repare for potential flooding due to the anticipated spillage. The spillage was initially planned to start on Tuesday, August 11, contingent upon the reservoir reaching 234.00 metres. The reservoir level on August 4 was recorded at 232.92 metres, with a filling rate of 62.77 per cent. Residents were advised to adhere to safety guidelines issued by local assemblies and relevant agencies to ensure their safety. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region has also warned fishermen, canoe operators, parents, and children to refrain from engaging in non-essential activities around the lake and other water bodies. Residents are urged to avoid swimming, crossing flooded waterways, or allowing children near rising water levels.