Hydrological monitoring carried out this Thursday morning reveals a significant drop in water levels in the majority of stations in the Gambia River basin and its tributaries, with the exception of Gouloumbou where an increase was noted.

Tributaries in decline

In Diaguiri, the water level fell from 4.27 m yesterday to 3.39 m this morning, a drop of 88 cm. This level remains well below that recorded at the same time in 2024 (5.47 m).

The same trend is observed at Afia Pont (Thiokoye), where the river is at 2.10 m, compared to 2.22 m yesterday, a decrease of 12 cm. Last year, it peaked at 6.03 m.

At Diahra Pont, no data was transmitted this morning, but the previous day the level was 2.18 m.

On the Goumbayel side, the river has dropped by 2 cm, reaching 2.05 m, compared to 2.07 m the day before.

The Niokolo-Koba station recorded a drop of 13 cm, with a level of 6.10 m compared to 6.23 m yesterday. In 2024, the river rose to 7.58 m.

Finally, in Sinthiou Malème, the water no longer reaches the measuring scale, a sign of marked drying out.

The Gambia River under surveillance

In Kédougou, the river has receded significantly: 5.19 m this morning, compared to 5.94 m yesterday, a drop of 75 cm in 24 hours. Last year, the level was 7.80 m. The alert level for this station is set at 7 m.

In Mako, the trend is also downward, with 4.50 m, compared to 4.78 m the day before, a decline of 28 cm. In 2024, the river reached 5.14 m. The alert level there is 6 m.

In Simenti, data for this morning have not been received, but yesterday the level was 8.76 m, slightly below the September 2024 level (8.90 m). The alert level is set at 13 m.

Only the Gouloumbou station recorded an increase: 7.89 m this morning compared to 7.54 m yesterday, an increase of 35 cm. The level is also higher than that observed last year at the same time (7.30 m).

Vigilance maintained

Overall, the trend is downward across the basin, reflecting a decline in the hydrological regime following the heavy rains observed in August. Authorities are calling for increased vigilance, particularly in areas where the alert levels are close, such as Kédougou and Mako.