The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Low water levels have created an energy crisis at the world’s largest dam

Updated January 4, 2023 at 5:04 p.m. EST|Published January 4, 2023 at 5:03 p.m. EST
An aerial view shows the Kariba Dam and Lake Kariba on Jan. 20, 2020. (Guillem Sartorio/AFP/Getty Images)
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The water level at the world’s largest man-made dam — which generates hydroelectric power for millions of people in Zambia and Zimbabwe — has dropped to a record low, forcing local energy companies to make drastic cuts.

The cuts mean no electricity for large portions of the day in these countries, adversely affecting the region’s economy and way of life for its residents.