Authorities in Burkina Faso have confirmed that the Bagre Dam will begin spilling water on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
In a statement released on August 22, officials explained that the water level at the dam had risen to 233.98 metres, representing 86.38 percent of its storage capacity. This leaves just 1.02 metres below its maximum operational threshold.
The announcement, signed by Kindo Issiaka, Head of Hydraulics at SONABEL (Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso), said the controlled spillage is a precautionary measure to safeguard both the dam’s structural integrity and public safety.
SONABEL urged communities downstream and others who may be impacted to take all necessary precautions ahead of the exercise.
The statement also gave an update on the Kompienga Dam, noting that it currently stands at an upstream elevation of 177.66 metres, which is about 77.26 percent of capacity, leaving 2.34 metres before reaching its peak limit.
