Dam operator SEMAF announced on Monday, 12 October, that Manantali in Mali would release water this week once its reservoir reaches 208.05 metres on the IGN elevation reference system. It expects water levels to rise in some downstream areas and will issue a further notice when the releases end.
The operator urged residents and people working along the river to take precautions to protect lives and property. According to Senegal's APS news agency, the appeal covers fishers, farmers and livestock keepers, who are advised to avoid exposed areas and follow instructions from the relevant authorities.
The dam lies on Mali's Bafing River in the Senegal River basin, jointly managed by Mauritania, Mali, Senegal and Guinea through the OMVS river development organisation. SEMAF, a subsidiary of the Manantali energy management company SOGEM, operates and maintains Manantali and Félou. The organisation's work includes agriculture, energy, drinking water and environmental protection.
