Gambia River: Alert level reached in Kédougou after a sharp rise in water levels

The hydrological situation of the Gambia River calls for increased vigilance at several stations in the Kédougou region. In Kédougou, the water level reached the alert threshold on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while several other stations are also recording a significant rise in levels.

The latest measurements taken this Thursday at 8 a.m. by the Tambacounda/Kédougou Water Resources Brigade indicate a general rise in water levels at the main stations monitored.

At the Kédougou station, the Gambia River level rose from 6.23 meters to 7 meters in 24 hours, an increase of 77 centimeters. With the alert level set at 7 meters, the river has now reached exactly that threshold. This situation is all the more remarkable given that the level recorded on the same date in 2025 was 5.36 meters, representing an annual increase of 1.64 meters.

The rise is also significant in Simenti, where the water level reached 7.18 meters, compared to 6.18 meters the previous day. This represents a rise of one meter in 24 hours. Despite this increase, the level remains 5.82 meters below the alert threshold of 13 meters.

At Mako, the water level rose from 4.18 to 4.98 meters, an increase of 80 centimeters in one day. The alert level is set at 6 meters, leaving a margin of error of 1.02 meters.

The Diaguiri station also shows a significant rise. The level has increased from 3.64 to 4.58 meters, an additional 94 centimeters in 24 hours. The alert threshold is set at 6 meters, with a deviation of 1.42 meters.

In Gouloumbou, the water level reached 6.38 meters, compared to 6.25 meters the previous day, representing a more moderate increase of 13 centimeters. However, the level remains 5.62 meters below the alert threshold of 12 meters.

The tributaries are also experiencing rising water levels. At Thiokoye, the level has increased from 4.37 to 4.73 meters, a rise of 36 centimeters. Year-on-year comparison shows an increase of 1.46 meters compared to September 24, 2025. At Diarha Pont, the rise is 7 centimeters, reaching a level of 2.42 meters.

However, the daily measurement for the Niokolokoba station had not yet been received at the time the bulletin was prepared. The last available height, recorded on September 23, was 4.38 meters.

The summary table thus confirms a general upward trend at the stations surveyed. The situation is being particularly closely monitored in Kédougou, where the river level has reached its alert level of 7 meters.

With this rapid rise in water levels, particularly the 77 centimeters recorded in just 24 hours in Kédougou, vigilance remains essential in the areas along the Gambia River and its tributaries.