The latest hydrological data published this Thursday by the Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade reveal a general downward trend in water levels in the Gambia River basin, with the exception of the Kédougou station where a slight increase was observed.

Tributaries in decline

The main monitoring stations on the tributaries of the Gambia River show decreasing levels.

• In Diaguiri, the water level measured at 8:00 a.m. was 2.01 m, compared to 2.14 m the previous day, a drop of 13 cm. Last year, at the same time, the level reached 2.89 m, reflecting a more marked decrease this year.

• At Afia Pont (Thiokoye), the day's data were not received, but the day before, the height recorded was 1.95 m, compared to 2.28 m on the same date in 2024.

• At Niokolo Koba, the level stands at 5.43 m, compared to 5.45 m on October 23, a slight drop of 2 cm. In comparison, on October 24, 2024, the river peaked at 7.28 m.

• At the Sinthiou Malème, Goumbayel and Diahra Pont stations, the water level remains below the measuring scale, a sign of advanced drying up of the tributaries.

The Gambia River: contrasting variations depending on the stations.

• In Kédougou, a slight increase was recorded with 3.31 m measured this morning compared to 3.20 m the day before, an increase of 11 cm. The level remains, however, below that observed last year (3.50 m). The alert level for this station remains set at 7 m.

• At Simenti, the level reached 5.15 m, compared to 5.18 m on October 23, reflecting a drop of 3 cm. No comparative data was available for the same period in 2024. The alert level at Simenti is 13 m.

• In Mako, the trend is also downward, with a water level of 3.05 m compared to 3.23 m the day before, a drop of 18 cm. In 2024, at the same date, the level was 3.55 m. The alert level for this station is 6 m.

• Finally, at Gouloumbou, the river is at 5.72 m, compared to 5.89 m the day before, a drop of 17 cm. In 2024, the level was much higher, reaching 12.91 m, just above the alert level set at 12 m.

An expected seasonal trend

These decreases in water levels are part of the normal hydrological dynamics at the end of the rainy season. The decline, which began several weeks ago, is gradually continuing across the entire basin, a direct consequence of the decrease in rainfall in the region.

Hydrological services continue to monitor water levels daily to assess changes in flow rates and anticipate any potential impact on economic and environmental activities in the area.