The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Upper East Region has secured temporary shelters for residents who may be affected by possible flooding following the anticipated spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso.

Upper East Regional Director of NADMO, Rebecca Akolgo, said the organisation, together with key stakeholders, is intensifying preparedness and mitigation measures in flood-prone communities ahead of the spillage.

In an interview on JoyNews' The Pulse on Tuesday, August 11, Ms Akolgo added that temporary structures have been identified and secured in vulnerable communities to serve as safe spaces for persons who may be displaced by flooding.

“NADMO, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the vulnerable communities, that is the flood-prone communities, has been able to secure temporary structures that will be used as temporary shelters for people who may be affected by possible flooding,” she said..

According to her, NADMO has also embarked on community sensitisation and public education, particularly among farmers and residents living along the White Volta.

She said residents and farmers in the affected areas have been advised to immediately move to higher grounds once the spillage begins to ensure their safety.

“We have educated farmers along the White Volta to immediately evacuate to higher grounds for safety. We have also educated residents along the White Volta to also evacuate to higher grounds for safety,” she stated.

She further disclosed that authorities in Burkina Faso responsible for the Bagre Dam, Sonabel, had provided an update indicating that the current water level stood at 233.08, with 234 identified as the level at which spillage is expected.

She said NADMO remains on the ground and is closely monitoring developments as the water level approaches the spillage threshold.

Ms Akolgo stressed that NADMO does not operate in isolation, noting that the organisation is coordinating with other relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness and ensure an effective response should flooding occur.

She urged residents in flood-prone communities, particularly those along the White Volta, to take the warnings seriously and comply with evacuation directives when necessary.