Gambia River: Water levels are falling in Kédougou, but vigilance remains essential

The water level of the Gambia River and several of its tributaries is generally trending downward this Thursday, September 3, 2026. However, readings taken at 8 a.m. by the Tambacounda/Kédougou Water Resources Brigade show significant fluctuations depending on the station, with a rise recorded in Gouloumbou and Niokolokoba.

At the Kédougou station, the water level is at 4.14 meters, compared to 4.50 meters the previous day, representing a drop of 36 centimeters in 24 hours. Despite this decrease, the situation remains under yellow alert, with the level remaining 2.86 meters below the alert threshold of 7 meters. Compared to the same period in 2025, however, the level is still 20 centimeters higher.

The drop is also observed at Mako, where the water level falls from 4.26 meters to 3.98 meters, a decrease of 28 centimeters. At Simenti, the level drops from 9.07 meters to 8.66 meters, registering a decrease of 41 centimeters. Both stations, however, remain below their respective alert levels, set at 6 meters for Mako and 13 meters for Simenti.

In Diaguiri, the water level has receded more significantly. It has dropped from 3.60 meters to 3 meters, a decrease of 60 centimeters in 24 hours. It remains three meters below the alert level, set at 6 meters.

Increases recorded on certain axes

The situation is not uniform across the entire basin, however. In Gouloumbou, the water level has risen by 47 centimeters, from 7.13 to 7.60 meters. Despite this increase, the height remains 4.40 meters below the alert level set at 12 meters.

In Niokolokoba, a slight rise of 13 centimeters was also recorded, with the level increasing from 3.07 to 3.20 meters. Conversely, the Thiokoye station recorded one of the sharpest drops of the day: the level fell from 4.19 to 2.58 meters, a dramatic decline of 1.61 meters in 24 hours.

At Diarha Pont, the water level decreased by 17 centimeters to reach 1.75 meters, while a slight increase was reported at Goumbayel, with a rise of 4 centimeters.

A situation to monitor

The summary table in the bulletin confirms a predominantly downward trend in the main monitoring stations, notably Kédougou, Mako, Simenti, and Diaguiri. However, isolated increases were observed in Gouloumbou, Niokolokoba, and Goumbayel.

The hydrological monitoring services are therefore keeping a close eye on the evolution of the waterways. In Kédougou, the presence of a yellow alert, in particular, calls for continued vigilance regarding any new changes in the river level.

These data, recorded this Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 8 a.m., show a contrasting hydrological situation, marked by a decrease in several stations, but also by occasional rises which justify the continuation of regular monitoring of the Gambia River basin.