Hydrology: Manantali is above its normal level, Diama is anticipating flooding, causing serious concern among residents

Vigilance is at its highest level along the Senegal River basin. This Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 8:00 AM, the water level in the Manantali reservoir exceeded 208.14 meters, surpassing its normal operating level of 208.05 meters (with an exceptional safety level set at 211 meters). Last year at the same time, the level was at 208.25 meters, with a current turbine flow rate of 432 m³/s.

Downstream, the Diama dam is actively being adjusted to anticipate the arrival of the flood. Its upstream level has been raised to 2.15 meters (compared to 1.52 meters in 2025), while the release rate has been adjusted to 1,197 m³/s, compared to 1,883 m³/s last year. This strategic choice was made by the Saint-Louis Water Resources Brigade: "Overall, the upstream level is being lowered to prepare for the flood's passage without major impact on Saint-Louis. This lowering allows us to regulate the water flow towards Saint-Louis and the river mouth."

Contrasting trends on tributaries and measuring stations

The evolution of the hydrographic network shows diverse dynamics depending on the river system. On the Falémé River, the Kidira station is recording a continuous rise, with 5.55 meters measured this morning, representing an increase of 21 centimeters in 24 hours (compared to 4.38 meters on the same date in 2025). Conversely, the Bakoye River at Oualia is beginning a slight decrease to 4.24 meters (compared to 4.35 meters the previous day), while remaining above its 2025 level (3.74 meters).

On the main course of the Senegal River, water levels remain below critical thresholds and significantly lower than last year's levels. In Bakel, the water level has stabilized at 7.11 meters, with an alert level set at 10 meters (compared to 8.37 meters in 2025). In Matam, the level has reached 6.84 meters (an 8 cm rise), below the 8-meter alert level. The trend is similar in Podor (4.23 meters, with an alert level of 5 meters), Richard-Toll (2.99 meters, with an alert level of 3.35 meters), and Saint-Louis (1.15 meters, with an alert level of 1.75 meters).

SEMAF announces imminent water releases

The situation should, however, evolve rapidly in the coming days. In an official statement released on October 11, the Manantali and Félou Operating Company (SEMAF) warned that, with the reservoir nearing its maximum operating capacity, it would proceed with regulated water releases as soon as the 208.05-meter IGN threshold was crossed — a level that has now officially been exceeded.

“If the releases are carried out, they will raise the water level in certain riverside areas of the Senegal River,” warns SEMAF, which formally invites “riverside populations whose activity is linked to the river to be more cautious and to take all necessary precautions.”

On the ground, anxiety is growing among local communities. From Fouta to Walo, agricultural producers, herders and residents fear a sudden flood that could engulf irrigated areas, threaten livestock and flood residential areas, reviving painful memories of floods from previous years.