Today's hydrological bulletin, published by the Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade, reveals a contrasting trend in water levels in the Gambia River basin and its tributaries. While some stations are recording slight increases, the overall trend remains downward, confirming the slowdown in the hydrological regime as the rainy season approaches its end.

Tributaries in moderate decline

At the Diaguiri station, located upstream from Mako, a notable rise in the water level has been observed: 2.35 meters this morning compared to 1.98 meters the day before, an increase of 37 cm. However, this level remains well below that observed at the same time last year (4.64 m on October 20, 2024).

On the other hand, at the Niokolo Koba station, the water level shows a slight drop of 1 cm, going from 5.47 m to 5.46 m. Here again, the comparison with last year shows a significant decrease, since the river reached 8.50 m at the same date.

Data from the Sinthiou Malème, Goumbayel and Diahra Pont stations indicate that the water level is currently below the measurement scale, confirming a gradual drying up of the tributaries.

The Gambia River continues to recede

In Kédougou, the trend is downward: the water level fell from 3.08 m to 3.03 m between October 19 and 20, a decrease of 5 cm. This level remains well below the alert level set at 7 m, and significantly lower than that recorded the previous year (4.38 m).

The same observation was made in Mako, where the water level fell from 3.08 m to 3.00 m, a decrease of 8 cm. In comparison, the river was at 4.43 m at the same time in 2024, confirming an earlier decline this year.

In Gouloumbou, measurements indicate a more marked drop: 6.71 m this morning compared to 7.06 m the day before, a decline of 35 cm in 24 hours. Although this level remains below the alert level of 12 m, it indicates that flow is still sustained in the lower part of the basin. Last year, at the same date, the river peaked at 12.63 m, almost double the current level.

Missing data in Simenti and Afia Pont

The readings for October 20 were not received for the Simenti and Afia Pont stations. The latest available data date from October 19, with 5.00 m at Simenti and 1.86 m at Afia Pont, respectively. These values, although incomplete, confirm the general trend of a gradual decline in water levels in most of the areas observed.

A situation under control

Overall, the hydrological situation in the Gambia River basin remains stable and without risk of flooding. Water levels are below alert levels at all monitored stations. However, experts from the Tambacounda–Kédougou Water Resources Brigade continue to closely monitor the river's development, particularly in slow-flowing areas where fluctuations can be sudden.