NADMO orders immediate evacuation as Bagré Dam spillage looms

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the North East Region has warned residents, farmers, settlers and headsmen living along the banks of the White Volta River and other vulnerable waterways to evacuate immediately following an alert on the spillage of the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso.

The warning follows notification from the Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina (SONABEL) authorities that the floodwater gates of the Bagré Dam would be opened on Friday, August 28, 2026.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the North East Regional Secretariat of NADMO said the previously planned spillage had been suspended following a reduction in the dam's water level as of August 11, 2026.

NADMO said the authorities in Burkina Faso had informed the Organisation that the water level had risen unexpectedly, necessitating the opening of the dam’s floodwater gates.

NADMO therefore urged residents and communities along the White Volta River and other potentially affected areas to evacuate with immediate effect as a precautionary measure.

It also advised the public to remain vigilant and take all necessary safety measures to protect lives and property.

The Organisation urged residents to pay attention to subsequent updates and official information from NADMO and other relevant authorities as the situation develops.

NADMO stressed the importance of early evacuation and vigilance, particularly among communities in flood-prone areas, to minimise the potential impact of the water release.