The downward trend in water levels is confirmed in the Gambia River basin. According to the latest data published this morning by the Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade, several hydrometric stations indicate a gradual decrease in water levels, a sign of a gradual decline in the region.

Significant drop in Kédougou and Mako

In Kédougou, the water level recorded at 8 a.m. was 3.66 meters, compared to 3.86 meters the previous day, a drop of 20 centimeters in 24 hours. This level remains well below the alert level set at 7 meters. By comparison, on the same date in 2024, the river peaked at 6.19 meters, nearly double the current level.

The same observation is made on the Mako side, where the river is at a height of 3.66 meters this morning, compared to 3.80 meters the day before, reflecting a drop of 14 centimeters. Last year, the level there was 4.90 meters, while the alert level is set at 6 meters.

Contrasting variations according to the tributaries

On the tributaries of the Gambia River, the hydrological situation is variable:

1. In Niokolo Koba, a slight rise was noted, the level going from 5.52 m to 5.53 m, an increase of one centimeter.
2. In Diaguiri, the latest measurements date from October 7 with 3.46 m, compared to 3.77 m at the same period last year.
3. At Afia Pont, the level was 2.44 m yesterday, far from the 5.54 m recorded on the same date in 2024.
4. At Diahra Pont, the latest available measurement indicates 1.51 m, while at Goumbayel and Sinthiou Malème, the water levels no longer reach the measurement scales, a sign of a significant drop in water levels.

Reflux also in Gouloumbou and Simenti

In Gouloumbou, the water level is 9.99 meters, compared to 10.03 meters the day before, a drop of 4 centimeters. This level remains well below the alert level of 12 meters. Last year, at the same time, the station recorded 11.83 meters.

In Simenti, where the alert level is set at 13 meters, the latest available measurement (that of October 7) indicated 8.43 meters, compared to 11.20 meters on the same date in 2024.

Towards the end of the rainy season

These indicators reflect the gradual end of the rainy season in the Gambia River basin. Water levels, while still significant in some areas, are far from critical thresholds. Hydrological authorities, however, remain vigilant due to possible variations due to the late rains recorded in some localities in the southeast.

"The water level is receding, but monitoring remains active until the river level has completely stabilized," said a technician from the Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade.