Severe Drought Drains Lake Kariba, Plunging Zambia into Energy Crisis

Zambia faces unprecedented power shortages as drought-stricken Kariba Dam, a key hydroelectric source, nears shutdown.

Lake Kariba, the world's largest man-made lake by volume, is critically low due to prolonged drought and climate change.
Zambia relies on Kariba for over 80% of its electricity, but current water levels allow only one of six turbines to operate.
Millions of Zambians experience daily power outages, severely impacting small businesses and increasing poverty levels.
The government urges a shift to solar power, but high costs and reliance on diesel and coal persist as interim solutions.
Experts warn of the unsustainability of heavy reliance on hydroelectric power amid worsening climate conditions.