Hydro-Climatic Variability and Water Balance of Lake Fitri, Sahel (Chad)

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Abstract

This study investigates the hydroclimatic functioning of the Lake Fitri basin in eastern Chad, combining rainfall records, hydrological observations, water balance analysis, and hydrological modelling. Results show a strong Sahelian climatic control, with rainfall concentrated in a short wet season (July–September) and potential evapotranspiration largely exceeding precipitation. Batha River flows are highly seasonal, generating short flood pulses that drive lake level fluctuations and aquifer recharge. Water balance estimates indicate that recharge is limited and episodic (≈70–120 mm in 2020), representing only 14–24% of annual rainfall, and occurring almost exclusively during extreme rainfall events. GR2M modelling captures the seasonal dynamics of the Batha but underestimates peak floods and recession due to transmission losses and floodplain storage. Compared with Lake Chad, Lake Fitri is more directly sensitive to local rainfall variability, reflecting its dependence on a single tributary. Overall, the findings underline the fragility of this hydrosystem and the need for reinforced monitoring and integrated management to ensure sustainable water resources under increasing climatic variability.

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