The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has issued an urgent warning to farmers along the White Volta River, advising them to harvest their crops within three to six days to avoid losing them to floodwaters.

This warning comes as the Burkinabe power utility authority SONABEL begins its spillage exercise from the Bagre Dam today, Monday, August 19.

To address the anticipated flooding, NADMO is coordinating the relocation of residents from flood-prone areas to higher ground.

George Ayisi, NADMO’s Director of Communication, provided details of the organization’s response during an interview on Joy FM’s AM Show. “We are working with various stakeholders to ensure that residents and their movable property, such as livestock, are moved to safer locations,” Mr Ayisi explained. “Regional directors in the Upper East and neighbouring regions have been mobilized and are actively assisting with the relocation process.”

Mr Ayisi added that the organization is also involving community leaders, chiefs, police, and other security agencies to support the relocation efforts. “The sensitization process has begun, and we are encouraging people to move their properties and families to higher, safer ground,” he said.

Despite these efforts, many residents along the White Volta Lake in Daboya and Yapei, North and Central Gonja Districts of the Savannah Region, remain skeptical.

These communities, primarily fisher folk and crop farmers, recall previous evacuations where they faced difficulties reclaiming their land upon return. As a result, they are hesitant to relocate without assurances of returning to their property.

Residents are hopeful that the spillage from Burkina Faso will not significantly impact their businesses and livelihoods.

JoyNews' Savannah Regional Correspondent Isaac Nongya, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We are urging residents to evacuate from these flood-prone areas to avoid potential disasters. Our top priority is to ensure their safety. We will assess the number of people relocating and provide support based on those numbers. If necessary, we will seek additional assistance from the district assembly and central offices to manage the situation effectively.”