Gambia River: the water level continues to recede in Kédougou, but vigilance remains necessary in Gouloumbou and Simenti

Water levels continue to recede at several hydrological stations in the Gambia River basin, in the Kédougou and Tambacounda regions. However, despite this downward trend, authorities are maintaining a high level of vigilance, particularly in Simenti and Gouloumbou, where water levels remain significant. This information comes from the daily hydrological bulletin published on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, by the Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade.

In Kédougou, the Gambia River level dropped by 38 centimeters in 24 hours, from 4.62 meters on Tuesday, October 13, to 4.24 meters this Wednesday at 8:00 AM. Despite this decrease, the water level remains 65 centimeters higher than that observed on the same date in 2025, when the height was 3.59 meters. With the alert level set at 7 meters, the station is still 2.76 meters below this threshold. A yellow alert remains in effect, urging the population to remain vigilant regarding the evolving situation.

In Mako, the trend is also downward. The water level has dropped from 4.55 meters to 4.26 meters, a decrease of 29 centimeters in 24 hours. Compared to October 14, 2025, when the level was 3.45 meters, the river has nevertheless risen by 81 centimeters year-on-year. The station remains under a yellow alert, with the level 1.74 meters below the alert threshold of 6 meters.

Simenti and Gouloumbou under orange alert

Further downstream, the situation calls for particular attention. At Simenti, the level of the Gambia River has receded by 19 centimeters, from 10.47 meters to 10.28 meters. This height, however, remains 4.28 meters higher than that recorded at the same time in 2025, which was 6 meters.

In Gouloumbou, unlike the other main stations along the river, a slight rise was observed. The water level increased from 10.84 meters to 10.92 meters, a rise of 8 centimeters in 24 hours. It remains 1.08 meters below the alert level set at 12 meters.

These two stations are under orange alert, indicating a call for extreme caution. Residents living near the stations are therefore urged to closely monitor water levels and follow the safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

Significant drops in the tributaries

The receding waters are also noticeable on several tributaries of the basin. In Diaguiri, the water level has dropped from 4.67 meters to 4.11 meters, a decrease of 56 centimeters in 24 hours. However, the level remains 1.71 meters higher than that recorded on October 14, 2025.

In Niokolokoba, the decline is more moderate, with a drop of 12 centimeters, the level falling from 6.92 to 6.80 meters. This height remains 1.15 meters higher than that observed on the same date last year.

The most significant drop in the reading was recorded at the Thiokoye station. The water level there fell from 4.95 meters to 3.78 meters, a decrease of 1.17 meters in 24 hours. At Diarha Pont, the water level also declined, dropping from 2.53 meters to 2.18 meters, a decrease of 35 centimeters.

A decline that needs to be closely monitored

Overall, the data from the hydrological bulletin of October 14, 2026, indicate a predominantly downward trend in the Gambia River and its tributaries. Only the Gouloumbou station recorded a slight increase among the main stations on the river monitored in the bulletin.

However, the observed levels remain higher than those of the previous year in several locations. This situation justifies continued vigilance, particularly in riverside areas and sectors likely to be affected by fluctuations in water levels.

The Tambacounda-Kédougou Water Resources Brigade, through its alert levels, reminds the public of the importance of remaining attentive to the hydrological evolution of the basin. While the receding water levels indicate a lull at several stations, this does not signify the end of all risks associated with the waters of the Gambia River.