The rise of the waters of the Sénégal River has reached a critical level at Mbackel, (Est) where the level is 9.62 metres, only 38 centimetres from the maximum alert threshold fixed at 10 metres. This increase has caused concern among the population, especially as the authorities have asked everyone to take preventive measures. This rise is partly due to the water release from the Manantali dam, where the level reached 9.09 metres yesterday. The overflow could have dramatic consequences for the riverside populations, particularly in the low-lying areas of the departments of Kounghany, Golmy, Yaféra, Aroundou and Ballou, where dwellings, agricultural land and infrastructure are vulnerable. The administrative authorities have already taken preventive measures by alerting the inhabitants, particularly the farmers and fishermen. Flood risks are not limited to dwellings: transport routes and bridges could be submerged, isolating certain localities. Rescue services are preparing to intervene in the event of an overflow, and relief zones have already been identified to accommodate displaced populations in case of an emergency. According to the RFM, the local populations have begun to leave their homes and have put their luggage on the terraces so as not to lose them.
Montée des eaux: maximum alert on the rivers of Senegal and the Gambia
