Authorities in Burkina Faso have announced that the Bagre Dam will begin spilling water on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

In a statement issued on August 22, it was explained that the water level in the dam has reached 233.98 metres, representing 86.38 percent of its capacity.

The reservoir is now only 1.02 metres short of its maximum operating limit, per the statement signed by the Head of Hydraulics at SONABEL (Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso), Kindo Issiaka.

SONABEL noted that the planned spillage is a precautionary measure to protect the safety and integrity of the dam.

The agency therefore urged communities living downstream and all those likely to be affected to take the necessary safety measures.

The statement also gave an update on the Kompienega Dam, which currently has an upstream elevation of 177.66 metres, about 77.26 percent full. Its reservoir level is 2.34 metres below its peak capacity.