A tourism association, in response to media reports of the Victoria Falls drying, has revealed that current records are showing that water levels, once again, are on a consistent rise.
The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) says already water has started to flow once again over certain points along the eastern cataract of Victoria Falls which has been pictured in all recent media reports.
“For those who have been alarmed by the recent reports and somewhat sensationalised headlines, the good news is that the current records from the Zambezi River Authority are showing that water levels are once again on a consistent rise,” the association says.
“We anticipate that given the recent reports of rain in the Zambezi catchment area, and indeed the rainfall being experienced in the immediate region, that these water levels will continue to rise as would be anticipated and consistent with the norm for this time of year and the change in season from mid / end of November, beginning of December.”
ATTA says historical data provide evidence that the annual mean water levels of the river have in fact been lower in at least six prior examples of a period spanning 1914 to the current date period.
“Whilst Zimbabwe has indeed experienced an extensive drought over the course of this year, the water levels of the Zambezi and indeed the flow levels over Victoria Falls, have remained above those recorded over the drought period of 95/96,” ATTA says.
“Although the Falls are a spectacular experience at high water, the spray often obscures the waterfal making it difficult to see and photograph.”
“Each time of the year, throughout the change of seasons and the change in water levels, has its advantages and disadvantages but one thing is consistent: Victoria Falls remains a magnificent sight and natural phenomenon all year round.”
The tourism associations also went on to says that the seasonal rise and fall of the Zambezi River changes the look of Victoria Falls on a daily basis.
“Whilst we are cognisant that Climate Change is a growing concern on a global level, and that it is potentially having an impact on countries throughout the world, what has been lacking in the media reports is an insight into the historic seasonal patterns and the resultant changes in water flow which are vital pieces of information to ensure a clear perspective is maintained,” the promoters of tourism on the African continent explained.
“The western side of the falls is lower than the eastern side and therefore carries the most water all year round. This fluctuation is less noticeable at Devil’s cataract and the Main Falls. From Livingstone Islands onwards, this ebb and flow becomes more apparent and at low water, this portion of the Falls dries up almost completely.”
