Staff Writer
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) says water levels at the Kariba Dam have gradually risen due to intensified rainfall.
In its latest hydrological update, ZRA said the trend is projected to continue as we approach the end of the first quarter of 2025.
“The water levels in the Kariba Reservoir have been gradually rising. This is primarily attributed to intensified rainfall activity on and around the lake,” ZRA said.
The Kariba reservoir’s water level has been steadily increasing, with a current reading of 476,39 metres above sea level, representing a 6,17% increase in water storage capacity.
Kariba Dam is a critical source of hydroelectric power for Zambia and Zimbabwe. Declining water levels at the country’s largest hydropower station in Kariba have resulted in a significant drop in power generation, which has led to power shortages.
The Zambezi River flows recorded at Chavuma Gauging Station are gradually rising, although ZRA said they remain significantly lower than those recorded in 2024.
ZRA said this is due to the recent dissipation of the ElNiño-induced drought, which caused substantial moisture loss from both the ground and the atmosphere.
“As a result, much of the rainfall will first seep into the ground before it can flow as runoff. The situation is, however, likely to improve by mid-February 2025, due to the increasing rainfall activity that is projected in the lower and upper catchments,” ZRA said.
ZRA said the Zambezi River flows at Victoria Falls Gauging Station are also slowly rising due to the positive impact of the rainfall activities upstream and around the Victoria Falls area.