Water levels continue to rise in Lake Kariba

Recent heavy rains have started to positively affect water levels in Lake Kariba, with expectations that flows in the upper and lower catchment areas of the Zambezi River will continue to improve around mid-February.

While the water levels remain lower than the same period in 2024, there is hope that the situation will improve as moisture seeps underground following the El Niño-induced drought, which significantly impacted the region in recent years.

Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Chief Executive Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa stated that rainfall activity has been the primary driver for the gradual increase in water levels, with continued rainfall expected to further enhance inflows into Lake Kariba.

"The water levels in the Kariba Reservoir have been gradually rising. This is primarily attributed to intensified rainfall activity on and around the lake," said Eng Munodawafa. "This trend is projected to continue as we approach the end of the first quarter of 2025."

Flows recorded at Chavuma Gauging Station, located upstream of the Victoria Falls, have increased significantly from 180 cubic meters per second to 365 cubic meters per second between January 13 and February 3, 2025.

At the Victoria Falls, flows have increased from 378 cubic meters per second to 535 cubic meters per second, although this remains significantly lower compared to the same period in 2024.

Eng Munodawafa explained that further improvement in flows is expected once the ground becomes saturated, leading to increased surface runoff. While levels remain lower than last year, the recent trends provide hope for a gradual recovery, bolstering prospects for improved water availability in the region.