The hydrological situation in the Gambia River basin this Friday morning showed contrasting trends according to the stations monitored by the Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade. While several observation points indicated a significant drop in water levels, some stations nevertheless recorded slight increases.

Tributaries in decline

At the Diaguiri station, located upstream from Mako, the river level fell to 4.68 m, a decrease of 19 cm compared to the previous day. This level, however, remains higher than that observed at the same time last year (3.86 m).

The same observation is made at Afia Pont (Thiokoye), where the decline is even more marked: the level has fallen from 5.56 m to 4.91 m, a drop of 65 cm in 24 hours. Here too, current values largely exceed those of 2024 (3.62 m).

On the other hand, at Diahra Pont, a slight rise was recorded: the river rose from 2.09 m to 2.17 m (+8 cm). At Niokolo Koba, the water level also rose, reaching 5.63 m compared to 5.60 m the day before. However, this level remains well below that recorded at the same time last year (7.90 m).

At the Goumbayel and Sinthiou Malème stations, the water level no longer reaches the scale, making readings impossible.

The Gambia River under surveillance

At Kédougou, the river is showing a significant drop: 4.62 m this morning compared to 4.96 m yesterday, a decline of 34 cm. The alert level for this station is set at 7 m, a threshold that is still far off.

In Mako, the trend is similar with a decrease of 24 cm, the level falling from 4.79 m to 4.55 m. Here again, the level remains below the alert level set at 6 m.

The situation is more worrying in Gouloumbou, where a slight rise was observed: 9.85 m this morning, compared to 9.80 m the day before (+5 cm). The alert threshold there is 12 m.

Significant disparities between stations

In Simenti, the daily data could not be collected, but yesterday the level was 10.07 m, well below the 12 m reached at the same time in 2024. The alert level remains set at 13 m.

Overall, the readings from October 3 show that the Gambia River basin is in a phase of gradual decline, with local variations. However, the authorities are reiterating the need to remain vigilant, particularly in areas where water levels remain high.