Gambia River: Contrasting water level changes observed between Kédougou, Mako and Gouloumbou

Hydrological monitoring of the Gambia River continues in the Kédougou region. The latest data published by the Directorate of Water Resources Management and Planning (DGPRE) reveals contrasting trends in water levels over the past 48 hours, with a rise recorded in Gouloumbou while Kédougou and Mako show a slight decrease over the same period.

As part of its national water resources monitoring system, the DGPRE relies on a permanent observation network established in the Gambia River basin. Under the coordination of the Tambacounda water resources brigade, this system comprises four hydrometric stations installed on the main course of the river, at Kédougou, Mako, Simenti and Gouloumbou, in addition to several stations located on the main tributaries.

Thanks to this network, technicians take two manual water level readings daily, at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., supplemented, at certain sites, by remote transmission devices allowing for real-time monitoring. The information collected is used to prepare a hydrological bulletin for administrative authorities, local communities, and riverside residents in order to strengthen the early warning system for flooding.

Variations vary depending on the station

Observations made this Wednesday morning highlight a rise in water levels in Kédougou and Gouloumbou over the past twenty-four hours, while the Mako station records a slight decrease.

In Kédougou, the river level rose by 7 cm between June 30 and July 1 at 8 a.m. This rise comes after a decrease of 9 cm observed the day before, which brings the overall variation of the last forty-eight hours to -2 cm.

At Mako, hydrologists recorded a drop of 4 cm in the last 24 hours. This decrease follows a rise of 2 cm recorded the previous day, resulting in an overall fluctuation of -2 cm over two days.

In contrast, the Gouloumbou station continues its upward trend. The water level there rose by 1 cm in the last 24 hours, following a 3 cm increase the previous day. The cumulative change has thus reached +4 cm over the last 48 hours.

Constant monitoring during the wintering period

These changes, although moderate, are being monitored closely as we approach the peak of the rainy season. The monitoring system implemented by the DGPRE allows for the rapid detection of water level variations and the dissemination of essential information to authorities and populations exposed to flood risks.

Following observations over the past two days, the hydrological situation of the Gambia River remains characterized by a rise in water levels at Gouloumbou, while the stations at Kédougou and Mako are recording a slight overall decrease. Hydrological services assure that daily monitoring will continue in order to anticipate any significant changes related to the intensification of rainfall in the river basin.