Egypt Daily News – Dr. Abbas Sharaqi, a professor at Cairo University specializing in Water Resources and Geology, has raised concerns about the historical significance of the Nile flood’s absence for two consecutive years in Egypt.
In his remarks shared on social media, he emphasized that August 15, known as Nile Loyalty Day, has been celebrated for over seven millennia as a symbol of the Nile’s annual flood that historically brought relief after months of drought.
He explained the geological and hydrological background of the Nile, noting that it originates primarily from two sources: Lake Victoria (15% of water flow) and the Ethiopian plateau (85%), with the latter being chiefly contributed by the Blue Nile, where the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is located.
Dr. Sharaqi detailed how the annual inflow of Nile water is divided into three seasons, with the majority of the water arriving from the Ethiopian plateau during July through September.
He pointed out that the construction of the High Dam in the 1960s transformed the nature of the Nile’s floodwaters, allowing Egypt to store water in Lake Nasser and regulate its distribution throughout the year, thereby diminishing the traditional significance of the flood.
The absence of the Nile flood this year can be attributed to the GERD’s water storage practices which commenced in July 2020 and have been increasing, with significant amounts of water retained as of July 2023. This storage has disrupted the usual flow of water to Lake Nasser, marking a historic change in the Nile’s flooding pattern.
Dr. Sharaqi underscored the importance of the High Dam in securing water resources for Egypt and hailed it as a crucial infrastructure project.
He expressed gratitude toward historical figure Gamal Abdel Nasser and nations involved in its construction, recognizing the collective effort that led to its establishment, which he views as vital for Egypt’s continued agricultural and water security.
This observation highlights ongoing tensions and negotiations around water management in the Nile Basin, particularly between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, as the countries seek to balance developmental needs with longstanding water rights.
