THE Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has reported an improvement in the hydrological outlook for the Kariba catchment, with water level in the Kariba reservoir gradually rising.
“The current water level in the Kariba reservoir is at 477,74 metres above sea level, with usable live storage standing at 15,57%, equivalent to 10,08 billion cubic metres of usable water,” said Munyaradzi Munodawafa, ZRA chief executive.
“This reflects an improvement compared to the same date in 2025, when the reservoir stood at 476,93 metres above sea level with usable live storage of 9,87%.”
According to ZRA, the improved water level is attributed to intensified rainfall activity on and around Lake Kariba.
River flows at key monitoring points, including Chavuma and Victoria Falls Gauging Stations, are also gradually rising.
Flows recorded at the Chavuma Gauging Station reached 3 058 cubic metres per second on March 10, 2026, compared to 2 088 cubic metres per second recorded on the same date in 2025.
“The situation is likely to improve by mid-March 2026, due to the rainfall activity that is projected to increase in the Kariba lower and upper catchments,” Munodawafa added.
The flows at Victoria Falls Gauging Station are also gradually rising, reaching 1 645 cubic metres per second on March 10, 2026, compared to 871 cubic metres per second recorded on the same date in 2025.
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A review of the weekly water level data shows a steady increase in the Kariba reservoir’s water level, from 477,28 metres above sea level on February 17, 2026 to the current level of 477,74 metres above sea level.
In comparison, during the same period in 2025, water level was lower, standing at 476,41 metres above sea level on February 17, 2025 and rising to 476,93 metres above sea level on March 10, 2025.
ZRA is a bilateral organisation, which is equally owned by the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia, responsible for operating and maintaining the Kariba Dam and regulating the water level in the Kariba reservoir.
