Alarming Projections of Dam Failures Highlight Urgent Need for Safety Investment

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Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-27 09:01:02 |

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A recent study published in Nature Water has raised alarm over the increasing risk of dam failures worldwide, projecting that 23 large dams could fail by 2035. The study underscores the urgent need for greater investment in dam safety, with 4.4% of large dams currently facing a failure probability greater than 1 in 10,000.

Dams are crucial for water management, energy generation, and flood protection, but their failure can result in catastrophic consequences, including loss of life and economic devastation. The study analyzed historical dam failure data, revealing a troubling trend of “infant mortality” in newly constructed embankment dams, particularly during their initial years of operation.

Older dams, especially those built between 1950 and 2000, are expected to contribute significantly to future failure statistics. Many of these dams are embankment structures ranging from 15 to 70 meters tall, and their aging poses an often-overlooked risk.

Economic disparities are evident, with higher failure rates in low-income regions, particularly in monsoon-prone areas where hydropower remains underutilized. Effective monitoring and maintenance are critical to ensuring dam safety. While international bodies like ICOLD have set safety standards, challenges remain due to changing hydrological conditions and resource limitations. The study calls for prioritizing high-risk dams to mitigate potential disasters and protect communities worldwide.

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