The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has warned communities located downstream of the White Volta to move to higher grounds as Burkina Faso readies to spill water from two dams.

In a press release issued August 5, NADMO said communities in the Upper East, North East, Northern, Savannah and Upper West regions are likely to be affected by the spillage of Bagre and Kompienga Dams in Burkina Faso. NADMO also disclosed that the spillage may happen any day between August 5, 2020 and August 10, 2020.

In response, NADMO has launched "Operation ThunderBolt 2020" to prepare the people to manage the effect of the spillage on their communities.

"The National Disaster Management Organisation-NADMO following its standing agreement with its partner, SONABEL, the Agency responsible for the Management of the Bagre and Kompienga Dams in Burkina Faso, has gotten a report that, due to the rate of rise in the water levels of the two dams, the Authorities of SONABEL have decided to begin the spillage of the two dams," the release said.

"The current levels of the Kompienga dams, as of today 5th August, 2020 is 172.41m with the rate of rise at 38.45% as against 28.66% same period last year. The levels of the Bagre Dam as of today being 234.62m with its rate of rise at 94.42% as against 60,58% same period last year. Due to the rapid rise in the water level of the Bagre Dam, the opening of the dam valves may be effected as soon as the level reaches 234.75m and that may happen any day between today 5th August 2020 and Monday 10th August, 2020".

The Organisation also urged all persons living along the White Voita and all the affected areas to co-operate with its staff and the supporting staff from the MMDAs to make the Operation a success.