The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has warned residents in and around Nawuni in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region to prepare for possible flooding as water levels at the Nawuni intake continue to rise.

A reading taken by NADMO on Saturday, August 23, showed that the water level had risen to 23.85 feet, placing it within the critical flood range of 20 to 30 feet.

Officials say the elevated water level increases the risk of the White Volta overflowing its banks and flooding nearby communities and farmlands, particularly if additional rainfall occurs in the area.

Speaking to JoyNews, Chief Disaster Control Officer, Iddrisu Abubakari Ziblim, said NADMO was closely monitoring the situation, including rainfall patterns in the area, ahead of any potential spillage from upstream Burkina Faso.

“For now, the situation is okay,” Mr Ziblim said.

However, he cautioned that any spillage from the Bagre Dam, operated by Burkina Faso’s national electricity company, SONABEL, could significantly worsen the flood risk in the Northern Region.

Mr Ziblim said NADMO would be notified of the exact date and time should SONABEL commence the spillage, with the resulting floodwaters expected to reach the Northern Region within seven days.

He said the organisation had been conducting continuous pre-flood monitoring and public sensitisation since August 4, when it received an initial alert from SONABEL through the Water Resources Commission.

As part of its preparedness measures, NADMO has also pre-positioned a Rapid Response Team in Walewale in the North East Region to support emergency response and evacuation operations should the situation deteriorate.

The agency is urging residents in vulnerable communities to remain alert and follow official instructions as monitoring of the water levels continues.