Egypt blames ‘unregulated water releases’ from Upper Nile for rising river levels

CAIRO – 25 October 2025: Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said on Friday that the recent rise in Nile water levels across several regions is directly linked to “unregulated water releases” coming from the Upper Nile during the past few weeks.

The ministry’s statement comes two weeks after Egypt accused Ethiopia of “reckless management” of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), saying that irregular discharges had caused a severe and delayed flood on the Nile.

In a detailed report issued in early October, the ministry described what it called a “man-made flood,” blaming it on Ethiopia’s “hasty and uncoordinated filling of the dam” for publicity purposes during its inauguration on September 9.

Egypt at the time emphasized that the delayed and more acute flood has inflicted severe losses on Sudan.

Moreover, several Egyptian Nile Delta governorates, including Gharbia, Monufia, and Beheira, have been affected by high river levels, with waters inundating parts of the floodplain.

The governors have urged residents living illegally on these areas to evacuate immediately for their safety.

The ministry clarified that these floodplain lands are part of the river’s natural reserve, expected to be submerged during high-water periods.

Egypt and Sudan have long condemned Addis Ababa’s filling and operation of the mega dam without a legally-binding agreement that ensures the water rights of both downstream nations and protect their populations during the periods of extended drought.

The $5 billion mega dam is capable of holding back up to 74 billion cubic meters of water.

Addressing Encroachments

Addressing circulating reports and social media claims about the rising Nile levels, the ministry said in its Friday statement that many posts contained “inaccurate and misleading analyses” that wrongly justified illegal encroachments on the river’s course.

“There is a deliberate attempt to stir controversy by spreading such content at a time when the state is implementing a national campaign to remove encroachments along the Nile and its branches,” the ministry said.

While acknowledging that many of the occupants of riverbank lands are engaged in illegal activities, the ministry said it continues to prioritize their safety, coordinating in advance before any additional water discharges to reduce potential harm.

However, it warned that continued encroachments undermine the river’s capacity, reduce water quality, and disrupt the equitable distribution of water across users, necessitating the state’s firm action to remove violations in the public interest.