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Egypt Independent
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Expert warns of potential devastating flood from Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam turbine stoppage
Abbas Sharaki, Professor of Geology and Water Resources at Cairo University, stated that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) poses a threat to the security of Egypt and Sudan due to its massive reservoir and its location in a geologically challenging area. In statements made on Al Hadath TV, Sharaki added that Ethiopia had stored approximately 60 billion cubic meters of water by the end of last September. He explained that the GERD's reservoir is exceptionally large and is situated in a region with significant geological issues, which, contrary to Ethiopia's claims, presents a danger to the security of both Egypt and Sudan. The Cairo University water resources expert also highlighted the risk posed by the potential shutdown of the GERD's turbines, especially with forecasts of heavy rainfall next August and the reservoir becoming completely full. Sharaki stressed that any damage to the GERD could lead to a devastating flood that would wipe out 30 million Sudanese living along the Blue Nile. Conversely, he noted that no Ethiopian citizens would be harmed, as the dam is located below the Ethiopian plateau in an uninhabited area. On Wednesday, Aregawi Berhe, Director of the Ethiopian Dam Project Coordination Office, announced that the GERD has reached a 98.9 percent completion rate, bringing Ethiopia closer to 'achieving its national dream after 14 years of work.' Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday extended a surprise invitation to Egypt and Sudan to attend the inauguration of the GERD in September. Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam on Thursday, reaffirmed Egypt's categorical rejection of Ethiopia's continued policy of imposing a 'fait accompli' through unilateral actions regarding the Nile River.
Libyan Express
29-06-2025
- Science
- Libyan Express
Khartoum faces rising flood risk as Grand Ethiopian Dam operations stall
BY Libyan Express Jun 29, 2025 - 06:36 A view of the GERD reservoir, nearing capacity amid rising regional water tensions Dr. Abbas Sharaki, Professor of Geology and Water Resources at Cairo University, has warned of a significant risk of flooding along both banks of the Blue Nile and the Nile near Sudan's capital, Khartoum, by late August. This situation mirrors conditions seen before the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Currently, the GERD reservoir holds approximately 54 billion cubic metres of water, down slightly from 60 billion cubic metres last September. Daily inflows into the reservoir have risen from 20 million to 80 million cubic metres, with expectations to reach 225 million cubic metres per day by July. Dr. Sharaki noted on his Facebook account that the failure to operate the dam's turbines this year is an anomaly. However, if this issue continues in coming years, the full natural flood is expected to pass by the end of July. This disruption in dam operations coincides with an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall across much of the northern Greater Horn of Africa during the critical June–September rainy season, according to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre. While the floods pose risks and have caused damage to some communities in Sudan, they remain the primary source of flood irrigation for many farmers along the Blue Nile. These floods help compensate for water shortages experienced in 2023 and 2024, when approximately 43 billion cubic metres of water were stored in the GERD. The difficulties faced by farmers have been compounded by the absence of an irrigation network to offset the lack of river flooding—an issue aggravated by ongoing challenges in Sudan since April 2023. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
