This article is about the Atbarah River, in Africa. After reading, you will be able to know about the geography, history, dam, dimensions, and tourist spots of the Atbarah River. So without further waiting, let’s go into the details of the river.
Geography, Dimensions, and Course.
The Atbarah River is located in northeast Africa. Its Arabic name is Nahr Atbarah. The Atbarah River is also called the Black Nile. The river rises in Ethiopia (northwest) which is about 50 kilometers north of Tana Lake and 30 kilometers west of Gondar. Then in north Sudan (central), it drains approximately 500 miles or 805 kilometers towards the Nile in the north direction which joins it at Atbarah city.
The Tekeze River or Setit River is the tributary of Atbarah and is the real upper course because the tributary drains the longer course before the confluence of both rivers, in northeastern Sudan. Before reaching the Mediterranean the Atbarah River is considered as the last branch or tributary of the river Nile.
The river is a little bit more than a stream for most times during the year. But, when the rainy season starts usually from June to October, the river rises about 5 meters or 18 feet as compared to its normal level. At the same time, the river makes an obstacle between the central and northern districts of the Amhara locale in Ethiopia.
The Shinfa River is another important tributary of the river Atbarah. This tributary rises from west of Tana Lake. Also, there is another branch or tributary of the Atbarah River which is known as the greater Angereb. The source of this tributary is north of that of the city of Gondar.
History of the Atbarah River
In early times the river was named Astaboras. This name was given by Strabo. In other early times name of the river was Astrabaras called by Agatharchides. The word Asta means water and Boras is associated with a tribe named Bora or Bera.
The Kashm el-girba dam was constructed near Kassala (Sudan) in 1964. The purpose of dam construction was to supply water for agriculture up to half a Dughaym which is a newly formed town. Another purpose was the resettlement of the population of Sudan which was affected by the flood. The flood occurred in Aswan high dam which is located in Egypt. The flood was as severe as it covered up to 500 kilometers of Nile Valley in northern Sudan and southern Egypt. Due to this flood, these people were displaced.
Tourist Spot: The Atbarah Town
The town Atbarah is located in the state of Nile River in Sudan. Sudan is a northeastern country in Africa. The town exists at the confluence of the Atbarah and Nile rivers. The town is mostly called the railway city due to the headquarters of the national railway company. Atbarah is about 330 kilometers northeast of Khartoum which is the national capital. The town is particularly famous because of the Atbarah River.
The Atbarah town is composed of 5 districts which are the railway district, Umbukole district, Almatar, Alsawdana, and Almurabaat. Also, Atbarah is a commercial city. It has many shops and restaurants which are well furnished according to modern needs. So, Atbarah is a beautiful place to visit where you can enjoy exploring the town.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Atbarah River is located in northeast Africa. It is also called the Black Nile. The river originates in Ethiopia and ends at the Nile. Takeze, Shinfa, and greater Angereb are the tributaries of the river. Most of the year it remains like a stream and raise to about 5 meters or 18 feet as compared to its normal level, during monsoon.
The dam Kashm el-girba is associated with this river. Atbarah town is a good place for tourists. I hope you would have enjoyed this piece of writings about the Atbarah River.