The latest hydrological observations confirm the continued decline in water levels at almost all stations monitored in the Gambia River basin. Only the Afia Pont station shows a slight rise in water levels, according to data collected this Wednesday at 8 a.m. by the Tambacounda – Kédougou Water Resources Brigade.

Tributaries: general decline except at Afia Pont

The tributaries of the Gambia River show contrasting developments.

1. In Diaguiri, the water level has fallen again, from 2.40 m to 2.37 m in 24 hours, a decrease of 3 centimeters. Last year at the same time, the level reached 5.03 m, reflecting a significant difference.
2. At Afia Pont (Thiokoye), the trend is the opposite: the level has risen by 34 cm, from 1.98 m to 2.32 m. Despite this increase, the level remains well below that observed in October 2024 (5.39 m).
3. In Niokolo Koba, the water level continues to drop slightly, with 5.60 m measured compared to 5.65 m the previous day, a negative variation of 5 cm. On the same date last year, the river peaked at 9.97 m.
4. Finally, at the stations of Sinthiou Malème, Goumbayel and Diahra Pont, the water level has still not reached the measuring scale, a sign of a notable weakening of the flow of secondary watercourses.

The Gambia River at Kédougou, Mako and Simenti: levels still below alert thresholds

The downward trend is also confirmed on the main course of the Gambia River.

1. In Kédougou, the level fell to 3.46 m compared to 3.59 m the previous day, a drop of 13 cm. Last year at the same time, the station recorded 5.16 m.
2. The alert level, set at 7 meters, remains well away, ruling out any immediate risk of overflow.
3. In Mako, the water level also continues to recede. The water level has dropped from 3.45 m to 3.41 m, a decrease of 4 cm in 24 hours. For comparison, it reached 4.79 m on October 15, 2024.
4. The alert level of this station is 6 meters.
5. In Simenti, the situation is similar. The level has dropped from 6.00 m to 5.50 m, a decrease of 50 cm. Although last year's data are not available, the current level remains well below the alert threshold of 13 meters.

Gouloumbou: the water level is falling further

Downstream, at Gouloumbou, the downward trend accelerated: the water level fell by 30 cm in 24 hours, from 8.54 m to 8.24 m. In 2024, on the same date, the river reached 12.02 m.

The alert level, let us remember, is set at 12 meters, a level which is therefore not a cause for concern at this stage.

A normal decline in this period of transition

Hydrological experts indicate that this development is part of the seasonal pattern observed each year at the end of the rainy season. The gradual retreat of the waters heralds the beginning of the dry season in the Kédougou region and its surrounding areas.

However, experts stress the importance of maintaining continuous monitoring of the basin in order to anticipate possible impacts on agricultural activities, navigation and domestic water resources.