The rainy season has settled well in the Senegal River basin, and significant rainfall has been recorded in early August in the Senegal River valley. These rains, combined with uncontrolled tributary inputs, have led to a rise in water levels in Bakel and Matam, where alert levels are likely to be reached in the coming days.
We remind you that when the alert level is reached, river overflow may occur, especially in the event of new rainy episodes in the area.
This Sunday, August 17 at 12:00:
– In Bakel, the level is at 9.12m on the scale with a rising trend (alert level of 10m);
– In Matam, the level is at 7.21m on the scale with a rising trend (alert level of 8m).
In accordance with the implementation guidelines of the Senegal River alert plan, yellow alert is activated in the areas of Bakel, Gouraye, Toufoundé Civé, and Matam.
We therefore call on the populations of the Senegal River Valley and Delta to remain vigilant during the flood wave and to take all necessary precautions to cope with possible river overflows.
Upstream, the Manantali dam continues to store water and regulate the Bafing flood.
OMVS has an alert plan, incorporating the latest hydrological data and potential impacts of climate change. This plan, covering the entire Senegal River basin, includes:
– Flood zone maps for different flood occurrences,
– Specific alert thresholds for each area, allowing for the triggering of appropriate preventive actions,
– A warning dissemination scheme involving national and local authorities, flood control committees, and the media.
The alert plan is available by country at the following link: [https://www.omvs.org/systeme-d-alerte-precoce/](https://www.omvs.org/systeme-d-alerte-precoce/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3ByTTNsyZ_RsVTyW68mfgl1X4HF7Elf0Lm4BSfnAL5lxdmdankdop1M5w_aem_jVi3A9UphdXpPhJMz-JUQw)
