The Organisation for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS) issued a warning on Sunday about the risk of severe flooding along the Senegal River, based on the latest hydrological data. The current situation mirrors the historic floods of 1999, with exceptionally high water levels and river flows. The Manantali Dam, crucial for flood control, has reached a critical level of 208.28 meters IGN, surpassing its normal operational limits.
Concerns are growing about water flows in the region. In Kayes, western Mali, river flow is forecast to reach 4,236 m³/s on October 13, increasing to 5,751 m³/s by October 16. A similar situation is expected in Bakel, eastern Senegal, raising the flood risk for communities along the river.
OMVS has issued an orange alert for all towns along the Senegal River, warning of potential flooding in areas prone to inundation, particularly in the valley and delta. The organization is urging local authorities and residents to heed safety instructions and prepare for potential evacuations.
OMVS has developed a detailed flood alert plan based on recent climatic and hydrological forecasts, including maps of flood-prone zones, regional alert levels, and guidelines for distributing information to national and local authorities. The early warning system can be accessed online for affected countries.
Authorities are advised to take immediate precautions to protect residents and monitor the situation closely.
On October 12, Senegal’s Ministry of the Interior issued its own alert, highlighting the risk of major flooding in several regions. Water levels along both the Senegal and Gambia rivers have exceeded safety thresholds. The northeastern region of Matam and southeastern Tambacounda have already experienced property damage, with Saint-Louis (north) possibly next in line.
The ministry attributes these rising flows—the highest recorded since 1961—to climate change. In response, the government, OMVS, and OMVG have implemented an emergency plan, mobilizing local authorities and issuing pre-alerts to the population.