A rare deluge of rainfall has transformed the arid landscapes of the Sahara Desert in southeastern Morocco into a surreal oasis of blue lagoons nestled among palm trees and sand dunes. This unexpected weather event has brought life to some of the driest regions on Earth, delivering more water than they have seen in decades.
The southeastern desert regions of Morocco are among the most arid places in the world, rarely experiencing rain, especially in late summer. However, in September, two days of continuous rainfall exceeded the yearly averages in several areas that typically receive less than 250 millimeters of precipitation annually. One of the hardest-hit areas was Tata, where the Moroccan government reported unprecedented rainfall.
In the village of Tagounite, located approximately 450 kilometers south of the capital city Rabat, more than 100 millimeters of rain was recorded within a 24-hour period. The sudden influx of water led to striking scenes of torrents gushing through the Saharan sands, revitalizing desert flora and ancient castles that dot the landscape.
Perhaps the most remarkable transformation occurred at Lake Iriqui, a famed lake bed situated between Zagora and Tata. Once a bustling oasis, Lake Iriqui had been dry for 50 years. NASA satellite images have now captured water rushing in to fill the vast expanse, restoring it to its former glory and offering a habitat for wildlife and a source of water for local communities.
The extraordinary event has captivated locals and scientists alike, prompting discussions on climate variability in the region. For the people of southeastern Morocco, the rains have brought much-needed respite and a sense of rejuvenation to the desert, raising hopes for sustained ecological benefits in the future.
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Water gushes through the arid Sahara Desert after unexpected rainfall
cgtn.com
