Bagre Dam water spillage scheduled for August 28

The National Electricity Company of Burkina Faso (SONABEL) has announced the emergency opening of the Bagre Dam flood-release gates starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026. The decision follows heavy rainfall that pushed the reservoir's water levels to a critical threshold, necessitating the evacuation of excess water to protect the dam's structural integrity.

The planned spillage is expected to significantly increase water levels downstream along the White Volta. While current observations of the Kubore stretch in Ghana show relatively low water levels, the release poses a risk of flooding farmlands and low-lying areas.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued warnings to residents and farmers living along the White Volta to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect lives, livestock, and property. SONABEL has also urged downstream communities to exercise extreme caution.