Update On River Flows Along The Zambezi Catchment - 25 Jan 2023
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) which is responsible for the allocation of water used by Zimbabwe’s Kariba South and Zambia’s Kariba North Power Stations has provided an update on river flows along the Zambezi catchment. In a statement seen by Pindula News, ZRA said flows have been increasing as the rainy season progresses. Reads the update issued on Wednesday 25 January 2023:
UPDATE ON RIVER FLOWS ALONG THE ZAMBEZI CATCHMENT (25 Jan 2023)
The hydrometric network used for the control and day-to-day operations of the Kariba reservoir comprise of thirteen stations where water levels are monitored daily. Flow measurements are carried out at eight of these stations which include the Victoria Falls, one of the key stations on the Zambezi River. Coincidentally, the maximum flow recorded at Victoria Falls was during the early construction phase of Kariba Dam in March 1958 at 10,000 cubic metres per second. The lowest flows recorded to date at Victoria Falls were during the 1995/96 season which had an annual mean flow of 390 cubic metres per second, whereas the Long Term Mean Annual flow at Victoria Falls is 1,100 cubic metres per second.
FLOWS AT SELECTED STATIONS:
1. CHAVUMA
Zambezi River flows at Chavuma have been increasing as the rainy season progresses. Recorded flow on 25th January 2023 – 2,219 m3/s. Recorded flow on 25th January 2022 – 824m3/s.
2. NANA’S FARM
The Zambezi River flows at Nana’s Farm, located some 33km upstream of Victoria Falls (typically the same reach) are steadily increasing. Recorded flow on 25th January 2023 – 772m3/s. Recorded flow on 25th January 2022 – 748m3/s.
3. NGONYE
Flows at Ngonye are rising due to increased rainfall activity. Recorded flow on 25th January 2023 – 913m3/s. Recorded flow on 25th January 2022 – 721m3/s.
4. VICTORIA FALLS/BIG TREE
The Zambezi River flows at Victoria Falls are steadily increasing, as the rain season progresses. Recorded flow on 25th January 2023 – 772m3/s. Recorded flow on 25th January 2022 – 748m3/s.
