Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam confirmed that Egypt's water resources management system is focused on real-time monitoring of hydrological and climate indicators, alongside dynamic water infrastructure operations. This approach allows Egypt to effectively respond to varying hydrological scenarios.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Sewilam's remarks were made during a meeting of the Permanent Committee for Regulating the Nile River Flow, which he chaired. The meeting aimed to review the status of Nile inflows and Egypt's water situation amid peak water demand. The committee discussed the operation of Ethiopia's dam, which it claims violates international law, noting fluctuations in water releases due to the dam's unilateral operation without a legally binding agreement for data-sharing between Ethiopia and downstream countries.
The committee emphasized the need for continuous updates in operational scenarios by downstream dam operators to manage water resources efficiently. It reviewed rainfall data over the Nile headwaters and water inflows from the Blue Nile, White Nile, and Atbara River, observing above-average inflows in June but below-average inflows in July.
The committee indicated that it's too early to assess the flood season accurately, expecting clearer insights after early August when a significant portion of the Blue Nile's flow typically occurs. Inflows during late July often comprise around 50 percent of the Blue Nile's monthly flow. The accuracy of flood forecasts is anticipated to improve as more data become available through the rainy season.
Additionally, the committee reviewed assessments from climate centers about El Ni±o and La Ni±a phenomena, stressing the necessity of ongoing monitoring and updates to forecasts. It highlighted the importance of integrating these forecasts with observation data from the Nile Basin to understand their potential impact on rainfall patterns.
The committee pointed out the natural variability of the Nile River's hydrology. It emphasized that Egypt's water situation requires comprehensive analysis of multiple indicators for sound operational decisions. Sewilam instructed the ministry to continue daily monitoring and updates, allowing adjustments to operational scenarios to ensure optimal water management.
He reassured that the Aswan High Dam remains a cornerstone of Egypt's water security, with its storage and operational capacity ensuring that water needs are met despite varying hydrological conditions. Sewilam urged continued monitoring and coordination across ministry departments to guarantee water requirements are fulfilled and to maintain the stability and efficiency of Egypt's water management system.