Lake Kariba

Source– This post on Lake Kariba is based on the article “El Nino drought leaves Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba only 13% full: A disaster for people & wildlife” published in “Down to Earth” on 16th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Due to the latest El Nino drought, water levels at Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe have dropped dramatically.

About Lake Kariba

1. It is the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume.

2. It lies approximately 1,300 kilometres upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

3. The Kariba dam is a double curvature concrete arch dam in the Kariba gorge of the Zambezi river basin between Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

4. The wall spans the Kariba Gorge, forming a boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

5. The dam generates substantial electricity for both Zambia and Zimbabwe and bolsters a robust commercial fishing industry.

6. Lake Kariba and its shores host a diverse array of bird species, such as fish eagles and cormorants, often seen hunting along the shoreline.

The lake also draws elephants and other big game for hydration, creating spectacular scenes of these animals at the water’s edge and bathing in the shallows.

Read more: El nino and its impact

UPSC Syllabus: World Geography