Critical Low Drainage Usangu, Alert 3 observed

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Alert 3 possibly reached before Alert2 in 2024

To specify the start of the Alert 3 phase is less precise as Alert 2. The drying of branch canal of the Ruaha River at Nyaluhanga (Alert 3). The date of September 27, 2024 is like the flow indication of less than 8cumecs arbitrary. What is interesting is the fact that the period between Alert 2 and Alert 3 is almost zero days. Which has not yet occured so far. The reason could be an alarming drop in discharge from low flow in the Mbarali and Ruaha Rivers, or increased abstraction during the low flow season. The dryness of Usangu Rice Plain in 2024 was already noticed and seems to be related to the early arrival of the Alert 3 Phase. Below the Ruaha flow status at Nyaluhanga as drainage from the Usangu for the last Alert 3 stages are compared. (Click to enlarge images)

Drainage from Usangu Rice Plain at Nyaluhanga on June 4, 2024. (Click to enlarge) The branch canal used for Alert 3, can be distinguished while still holding water.