In a surprising event, the Sahara Desert, known for its dry and harsh conditions, was struck by a rare flood. Torrential rains in September hit parts of the desert, filling lakes that had been dry for decades and creating temporary water sources in the barren land.
The intense rainfall occurred over two days in southeastern Morocco, breaking records. In Tagounite, a village 450 kilometers south of Rabat, more than 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) of rain fell in just 24 hours, surpassing the area’s usual annual rainfall. This rare event caused Lake Iriqui, a lake bed that had been dry for 50 years, to refill.
Satellite images from NASA captured the dramatic change, and experts called it a rare occurrence. “We haven’t seen this much rain in such a short time for 30 to 50 years,” said Houssine Youabeb from Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology. Meteorologists say the rainfall was caused by an extratropical storm that brought large amounts of moisture to the desert.
This event highlights the effects of climate change. Celeste Saulo from the World Meteorological Organization explained that rising global temperatures are increasing the water cycle’s intensity, causing problems with both too much and too little water. Experts warn that extreme weather like this could become more common.
While the rain brought temporary relief, it also caused destruction. The floods led to the loss of more than 20 lives in Morocco and Algeria, along with the destruction of crops and infrastructure. Many farmers were left without their fields. The Moroccan government has provided emergency relief to support the affected areas.
Despite the damage, the rains created beautiful, temporary landscapes. In Merzouga, a desert town, newly formed lakes stand against towering dunes and palm trees, creating a breathtaking view.
As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, events like this might happen more often. “These floods could signal a shift in the weather,” Youabeb said. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these changes.