Hydrological surveys conducted this morning by the Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade show a general downward trend in water levels in the Gambia River basin and its main tributaries. While the situation remains under control, authorities are calling for increased vigilance, particularly in areas near alert levels.

Tributaries in sharp decline

At the level of the tributaries of the Gambia River, the trend is clearly downward.

1. Diaguiri station (upstream from Mako): 4.64 m recorded this morning compared to 4.73 m yesterday, a drop of 9 cm. On the same date in 2024, the level reached 5.20 m.
2. Afia Pont (Thiokoye): 4.26 m this morning, down 16 cm from yesterday. In 2024, the level exceeded 6 m.
3. Diahra Pont: 1.57 m measured, a fall of 20 cm in 24 hours.
4. Niokolo Koba: 5.78 m this morning, compared to 8.56 m at the same time last year.
5. Goumbayel and Sinthiou Malème: the levels are too low to reach the measurement scales, a sign of an accentuated drying up.

The Gambia River under surveillance

On the main course of the Gambia River, the trends are contrasting depending on the stations.

1. Kédougou: The level stands at 6.36 m, down 41 cm from yesterday. The alert level is set at 7 m. At the same time last year, the level was almost identical (6.32 m).
2. Simenti: No readings available this morning, but yesterday the water reached 10.60 m, well below the 13 m alert level.
3. Mako: 5.14 m recorded, a decrease of 16 cm in 24 hours. With the alert level at 6 m, the situation remains under control.
4. Gouloumbou: Unlike other stations, a slight increase has been observed. The level has risen from 9.22 m to 9.38 m, but remains far from the alert level set at 12 m.

A less abundant season than 2024

Compared to last year, the levels recorded at the end of September 2025 are generally lower, reflecting less abundant rainfall. For example, in Niokolo Koba, there is a deficit of nearly 3 meters of water compared to the same period in 2024.

Vigilance and continuous monitoring

Even though no alert level has been reached for the moment, the Water Resources Brigade insists on the need to maintain close monitoring, particularly in Kédougou and Simenti, strategic areas for the flow of the Gambia River.