Ouagadougou: As the rainy season looms, the General Directorate of Water Resources (DGRE) in Burkina Faso, through its Directorate of Water Studies and Information, has initiated efforts to enhance public awareness and reduce vulnerability to potential flooding, as reported by AIB on Saturday. The anticipation strategy involves a newly launched Flood Early Warning System (SAPCI) to provide real-time data on water trends across the nation.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Christine Ou©draogo, Director of Water Studies and Information, emphasized the installation of several hydrometric stations equipped with automatic data transmission capabilities. These stations are connected to central servers, enabling prompt alerts to authorities and the public about flood risks. The initiative also includes comprehensive mapping of high-risk flood zones, daily production of bulletins, warning notices, and other informational documents to keep stakeholders informed.
Additionally, colored rulers have been placed in certain areas to empower locals to monitor water levels independently, following training from the Water Resources Department. Ou©draogo urged residents to avoid flood-prone zones, maintain drainage systems, and adhere to official instructions to safeguard lives and property.
The Directorate of Water Studies and Information operates under the DGRE, which is a pivotal component of the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Sanitation. The DGRE's mission is to mitigate flooding risks by distributing reliable information to all stakeholders, aiming to reduce the population's vulnerability to extreme weather events. The director highlighted the DGRE's role in monitoring river water levels and dam capacities, issuing alerts when there is a risk of overflow.
Vincent Alligouam© Ou©draogo, head of the hydrological service, stated that the Directorate collaborates closely with the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) and the National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation (CONASUR). These collaborations ensure that necessary flood risk information is available to facilitate timely interventions and humanitarian assistance.
In addition, the DGRE works in conjunction with meteorological services to track rainfall patterns, make short-term forecasts, and guide decision-making processes. As a proactive measure, the DGRE disseminates real-time flood risk data to the public via traditional media such as radio, television, and print, as well as through social networks, its official website, and community meetings, according to G©rard Zongo, head of the Information Service for the Promotion of Water Studies and Resources.