The Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade published its hydrological bulletin on the situation of the Gambia River and its tributaries on September 17, 2025. Measurements taken at various hydrometric stations show a contrasting trend in water levels, with trends sometimes upward and sometimes downward, depending on the location.

Significant increases in Kédougou and Simenti

In Kédougou, the level recorded this Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. is 6.54 m, compared to 6.51 m the previous day, an increase of 3 cm. Although close to the alert level set at 7 m, this level remains lower than that of the same period last year (7.84 m).

In Simenti, in the Niokolo Koba National Park, the trend is more marked: the river rose from 8.54 m on September 16 to 9.16 m this morning, recording a significant increase of 62 cm in 24 hours. Here again, the level remains below the alert level (13 m), but significantly lower than that of September 17, 2024, when it peaked at 11.40 m.

Worrying drops in Afia and Niokolo Koba

On the other hand, some stations are reporting significant declines. At Afia Pont (Thiokoye), the water level dropped sharply to 2.53 m compared to 3 m the day before, a drop of 47 cm in one day. Last year at the same time, the river reached 4.61 m.

The same observation is made at Niokolo Koba, where a slight drop is recorded: 5.87 m compared to 5.89 m yesterday. In comparison, the level was much higher in 2024 (8.32 m).

In Mako, the readings also indicate a drop: 4.93 m this morning compared to 5 m the day before. The alert level set at 6 m has therefore not been reached.

Contrasting situations upstream and downstream

To the north, the Diaguiri station, upstream from Mako, recorded a small rise of 1 cm, with a level at 4.40 m. At Diahra Pont, the change is more marked with +6 cm, reaching 1.74 m.

At Gouloumbou, the river rose by 10 cm in 24 hours, reaching 8.21 m. However, this figure remains below the level recorded on the same date in 2024 (9.40 m).

Finally, at Sinthiou Malème, the water level is now too low to reach the ladder, a sign of advanced drying up at this point in the basin.

Vigilance maintained despite levels lower than 2024

Overall, the records show that current levels of the Gambia River and its tributaries remain below those observed at the same time in 2024. While some stations are experiencing occasional increases, the overall trend remains marked by a decline.

The hydrological authorities remind that vigilance must be maintained, particularly in Kédougou and Simenti, where levels are gradually approaching alert levels.