The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has informed communities situated along the White Volta River and nearby regions that a regulated release of water from the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso may commence on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, should water levels persist in rising.
In a press statement released on August 4, 2026, the Commission noted that it had received information from SONABEL, the entity responsible for operating the Bagré Dam, which indicated that the water level in the reservoir was at 232.93 metres as of Tuesday, August 4, with the dam being 62.77 percent filled.
The Commission further stated that SONABEL intends to initiate controlled water spillage once the reservoir level reaches 234.00 metres, a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the dam’s safe operation.
Consequently, the Commission has urged residents in the communities along the White Volta River and in areas susceptible to flooding to remain alert and adhere to safety guidelines provided by their respective Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, as well as other pertinent state agencies.
The WRC affirmed that it will persist in monitoring the situation and will issue updates as developments occur.
