KARIBA LAKE LEVEL STEADILY INCREASING DUE TO SUSTAINED RAINFALL
The water level in Kariba Lake is steadily rising, thanks to consistent rainfall over the reservoir and its surrounding catchment areas. According to the latest hydrology report issued by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the lake level now stands at 475.87 meters, marking an increase from 475.15 meters recorded on December 16, 2024.
Although this gradual rise in water levels offers some optimism, it is still lower compared to the same period in 2024, when the lake level was recorded at 477.28 meters.
The report also highlights a slight improvement in the usable live storage for power generation, which has increased to 2.61% as of January 6, 2025. This is a marginal rise from the 2.41% recorded on December 16, 2024. However, this figure remains significantly below the 12.32% recorded during the corresponding period in 2024, reflecting ongoing challenges in hydropower generation capacity.
The Zambezi River Authority emphasized that the Kariba Lake is designed to operate safely within water levels ranging from 475.50 meters to 488.50 meters. A freeboard of 0.70 meters is required for optimal and safe hydropower generation. While the current levels remain within the operational range, the low usable storage highlights the need for careful monitoring and sustainable management of the water resource.
This gradual recovery of water levels is being closely watched, as Kariba Lake serves as a critical source of hydropower for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. The sustained rainfall brings hope for improved power generation in the near future, but the situation underscores the importance of long-term water resource management to mitigate the impacts of changing weather patterns.
For now, stakeholders remain vigilant, with the Zambezi River Authority continuing to provide updates on water levels and hydrological conditions as the region navigates its way through these challenges.
