Hydrological surveys carried out this Friday, August 15, 2025, on the Gambia River basin and its tributaries show a general upward trend in water levels, a direct consequence of the heavy rainfall recorded in recent days.

Tributaries in strong growth

In Diaguiri, upstream from Mako, the river level reached 4.49 meters at 8 a.m., compared to 3.31 m the previous day, a spectacular rise of 1.18 meters. At the same time last year, it did not exceed 3 meters.

At Niokolo Koba, the increase is more moderate, going from 4.20 m to 4.30 m (+10 cm). The Sinthiou Malème station records a marked increase, from 0.89 m to 1.50 m (+61 cm).

In Goumbayel (Niérico), on the other hand, the trend is downward with 1.61 m this morning, compared to 2.34 m the day before (–73 cm). Data from the Afia Pont (Thiokoye) and Diahra Pont stations were not available at the time of the survey.

The Gambia River in moderate flooding

At Simenti, the river is at 6.22 m, compared to 5.67 m yesterday (+55 cm), well below the alert level set at 13 m. Last year at the same time, the level reached only 4.94 m.

At Mako, the level rose to 4.24 m (+45 cm), whereas it was only 2.90 m on August 15, 2024. The alert level there is 6 m.

In Gouloumbou, the rise is more moderate: 5.10 m this morning, compared to 4.86 m yesterday (+24 cm), far from the critical threshold set at 12 m.

Increased surveillance

While no locations have yet reached alert levels, the Hydrological Management Directorate is urging increased vigilance. Heavy rains forecast in the region could continue to raise water levels in the coming days, particularly in downstream areas.