2023 Akosombo dam spillage flood
The Akosombo Dam Spillage Flood is a riverine flood that occurred in the south-eastern part of Ghana.[1][2] This is due to a controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam and the Kpong Dam by the Volta River Authority to address rising water levels.[3]
According to the BBC News, the cause of the flood was the heavy rainfall experienced in Ghana during 2023 leading to an increased volume of water in the two dams which in turn led to the Volta River Authority's initiation of controlled spillage of the dam in September 2023.[4]
Background
[edit]The Akosombo Dam has a 150 billion cubic meters storage capacity with a maximum operating level of 276 feet.[5] Due to the effects of climate change, Ghana has been experiencing rising levels of rainfall, causing the water levels to rise beyond the maximum operation capacity.[6] Without the spillage exercise, this could lead to dam failure.[7] The spillage exercise started on 15 September 2023, at 183,000 cfs/day. This was increased on 9 October 2023 due to continued rise of the water level.[1]
Impact
[edit]The spillage led to the displacement of 8,000 people in 8 communities along the Volta River downstream, with Mepe being the most affected.[4] The numbers have since increased to 31,000[8] as of 19 October 2023.
Communities impacted by the flood includes; the districts of North, Central, and South Tongu in the Volta Region, as well as the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region. Large portions of Tefle, Wume, Sokpoe, and other riverbank communities have also been affected by the floods, and at least 500 people are now without a place to live. Other localities, such as Alikekope, Agorme, and Agbave, have completely disappeared.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Akosombo Dam spillage: We won't leave anyone behind – VRA assures affected residents". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ "Ghana: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in southeastern regions as of Oct. 17". Ghana: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in southeastern regions as of Oct. 17 | Crisis24. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ "Volta River Authority | News - Controlled Spillage of Water from the Akosombo Dam and Kpong Dam". www.vra.com. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ a b "Ghana floods: 'My entire farm is under the water and so is my house'". BBC News. 2023-10-18. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ Etefe, Juliet (2023-10-17). "Akosombo Dam spillage: a necessary evil". The Business & Financial Times. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ "Why is the Akosombo Dam Reservoir spilling water". Graphic Online.
- ^ "Akosombo Dam spillage: 'I am traumatised, I can't even eat' - Businessman who lost about ¢200k - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 2023-10-21. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ Mensah, K. (2023-10-21). "NADMO: 31,000 displaced so far after Akosombo Dam spillage". Asaase Radio. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ "Draft:Akosombo Dam spillage", Wikipedia, 2023-10-21, retrieved 2023-10-23