NADMO Issues Urgent Flood Alert in North East Region Following Bagre Dam Spillage Notice

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued an urgent flood alert for the North East Region following an official notification from Burkina Faso regarding the spillage of the Bagre Dam. Scheduled to commence on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the spillage is expected to significantly increase water levels along the White Volta River and its various tributaries. This annual occurrence poses a direct threat to dozens of communities situated along the riverbanks, prompting national and regional disaster management teams to trigger emergency preparedness protocols to protect lives and property.

In response to the impending surge of water, NADMO has directed residents in vulnerable, low-lying areas to relocate to safer, higher ground immediately. The warning specifically targets farmers, fishermen, and cattle herders who operate close to the riverbanks. Farmers have been strongly advised to harvest their crops prematurely where possible to minimize the economic impact of potential washouts. Furthermore, the organization has warned against any fishing activities or grazing near the floodplains during this period, as the volume of water from the Bagre Dam can cause rapid and unpredictable rises in local river levels.

NADMO has intensified its public education campaigns across the affected districts to ensure that safety measures are understood and followed. Field officers are currently monitoring the situation on the ground and coordinating with local authorities to identify designated safe zones for displaced persons. The spillage of the Bagre Dam is a recurring cross-border water management issue that often leads to devastating floods in northern Ghana. By initiating these early warnings and community engagements, the government aims to mitigate the risk of displacement and the destruction of livelihoods that have characterized previous years.

As the situation develops, NADMO has committed to providing regular updates and maintaining a high state of readiness to conduct rescue operations if necessary. While the spillage is a controlled exercise by authorities in Burkina Faso, the impact downstream in Ghana depends heavily on local rainfall patterns and the capacity of the White Volta to contain the additional flow. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety over the preservation of assets as the region enters this high-risk window.