The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), built on the Abbay (Blue Nile) River, is protecting downstream Nile Basin countries from annual flood hazards, property destruction, and displacement, according to Dr. Demelash Wondimagegnehu, Associate Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources at Arba Minch University’s Water Technology Institute.

In an interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency, Dr. Demelash said populations in downstream Nile Basin countries – particularly Sudan and Egypt – have historically suffered seasonal floods, severe displacement, and property damage.
He outlined several regional benefits of the dam:

Flood and Soil Erosion Control: The dam prevents heavy topsoil loss during floods, allowing downstream nations to make more effective use of water and soil resources.

Regulated Water Flow: GERD ensures balanced, year-round water flow, offering significant hydrological benefits to downstream countries.

Scientifically Verified Safety: Multiple scientific studies on the dam have confirmed it poses no significant harm to downstream basin states.

Dr. Demelash said misleading narratives circulated by downstream scholars – particularly from Egypt – about water shortages and flooding are driven by political motives aimed at stalling Ethiopia’s development and discouraging future projects on the river. He argued that these actors are well aware of the dam’s protective role against flood disasters.

He called on downstream basin countries to set aside unconstructive rhetoric and work collaboratively with Ethiopia on the basis of mutual benefit and equitable water utilization.