Cahora Bassa Dam Wall Burst or Cracks News

Cahora Bassa Dam Wall Burst:- The Cahora Bassa Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in Africa, located on the Zambezi River in Mozambique. The dam’s construction began in 1969 and was completed in 1974, with a total cost of around $2 billion. The dam is a crucial source of electricity for Mozambique and South Africa, providing over 2,000 megawatts of electricity. However, the dam has faced several issues over the years, including concerns about the dam wall’s integrity and the possibility of it bursting.

Cahora Bassa Dam Wall:

The Cahora Bassa Dam wall is a concrete gravity structure that stands at 171 meters high and 303 meters long. The dam has five spillway gates, each measuring 13.5 meters wide and 14.5 meters high. The dam’s wall is designed to hold back the Zambezi River and provide electricity through the dam’s hydropower system.

Cahora Bassa Dam Burst:

Concerns about the Cahora Bassa Dam’s potential to burst have been ongoing for several years. In 2013, reports of cracks in the dam’s wall caused concern among experts and the public. However, the dam’s operators stated that the cracks were superficial and did not pose any immediate threat. In 2019, Cyclone Idai caused flooding in the area, raising concerns about the dam’s stability. The dam’s operators again reassured the public that the dam was safe, and the floodwaters were successfully managed.

Cahora Bassa Dam News:

In February 2021, Cyclone Eloise caused flooding in the Cahora Bassa Dam’s catchment area, leading to concerns about the dam’s stability. The dam’s operators suspended discharges from the dam to manage the floodwaters better. In March 2023, Mozambique is once again facing severe flooding due to Cyclone Freddy, which has led to concerns about the dam’s stability.

Cahora Bassa Dam Wall Cracks:

Reports of cracks in the Cahora Bassa Dam’s wall have been ongoing for several years. In 2013, a report by the World Bank noted that the dam’s wall had several cracks, some of which were over 1 meter in length. The report stated that the cracks were not an immediate threat but required ongoing monitoring. In 2022, a report by the Zambezi River Authority stated that the dam’s wall was in good condition, but ongoing monitoring was necessary.

Table:

Cahora Bassa Dam Wall Burst Video

FAQs

1. Is the Cahora Bassa Dam in danger of collapsing?
   There is ongoing concern about the dam’s stability, especially during periods of severe flooding. However, the dam’s operators state that the dam is safe and continuously monitored.
2. How much electricity does the Cahora Bassa Dam provide?
   The dam provides over 2,000 megawatts of electricity to Mozambique and South Africa.
3. Are there any plans to repair the cracks in the dam’s wall?
   The dam’s operators have stated that ongoing monitoring of the cracks is necessary, but there are no current plans to repair them.
4. What happens if the Cahora Bassa Dam bursts?
   If the dam were to burst, it could lead to severe flooding in the area, causing significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life.
5. What impact could climate change have on the Cahora Bassa Dam?
   Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as cyclones and flooding, which could pose a greater risk to the dam’s stability. Additionally, changes in rainfall patterns could affect the amount of water available to the dam’s hydropower system.