Kariba floodgates open

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) opened two floodgates in the Kariba Dam Wall on 9th March 2010 to spill water that is rapidly filling the 280 km-long lake which is now over 75% full due to heavy seasonal rains.  This is a week earlier than previously advertised, giving rise to fears that people living downstream on the Zambezi River may not be sufficiently prepared for a significant flood threat.

In a statement on the ZRA website www.zaraho.org.zm  they announce: 
"Due to the persistent heavy rains experienced over the entire Zambezi River basin and also the expected continued rainfall as forecasted by the National Meteorological Services, notice is hereby given that two spillway gates will be opened 15th March 2010 at 12:00hrs, the gates will remain open until further notice.
The general public and communities living along the Zambezi River banks are kindly advised to take this notice seriously to avoid loss of life and property due to possible flooding.  The Authority is continuing to closely monitor the situation."
 
Lake Kariba was created and designed to operate between levels 475.50m and 488.50m with 0.70m freeboard at all times.

The ZRA's website states that the level of water at Lake Kariba rose significantly in late February/early March 2010.  Over the week 3rd-7th March the level rose by  64cm to close at 485.51m.

"In terms of live storage, that is storage available for power generation at Kariba, the reservoir was 75% full as at close of week on 7th March 2010 whilst last year it was only 49%".  More inflow is expected up to May this year.

The Zambezi River Authority is governed by a Council of Ministers consisting of four members, two of whom are Ministers in the Government of the Republic of Zambia and two of whom are Ministers in the Government of Zimbabwe.

Last year, consultant engineer, Terry Kabell, gave a fascinating and reassuring talk to Zimbabwe's History Society about the safety of the Kariba Dam wall.  See a summary at this link: Kariba Dam Safety