Egypt warns Ethiopia over ‘reckless’ dam operations as Nile floods rise

Egypt on Friday blamed Ethiopia for “reckless and irresponsible” management of the Nile, saying unilateral operations at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) have worsened flooding in Sudan and pose a direct threat to Egyptian lands and lives.

Egypt has blamed Ethiopia for recent Nile flooding, saying operations at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) have worsened conditions in Sudan and threaten Egyptian lands and lives.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said the floods were caused by “sudden convergence of large and unexpected water volumes” from the dam, combined with delayed rainfall in Sudan and rising White Nile levels. The ministry accused Ethiopia of violating international law and using water as “political exploitation at the expense of lives and regional security.” No immediate response was reported from Ethiopia.

Authorities in Egypt have activated precautionary measures along the Nile. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly warned that water levels could continue rising through the end of October, particularly in the northern governorates of Monufia and Beheira. Local officials instructed residents to evacuate vulnerable areas, and floodwaters have already submerged homes and farmland in Dalhamou, Ashmoun District.

The warning comes after severe flooding in Sudan, which officials linked to Ethiopia opening the GERD gates without coordination with downstream countries. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed that Egypt “fully retains its right to defend its water rights and existential interests by all means” if threatened.

The GERD, inaugurated on the Blue Nile on 9 September after 14 years of construction, has long been a source of tension between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt over water levels, filling schedules, and operational control.

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