Extremely heavy rains in Morocco, equivalent to almost a year’s worth in two days, have brought badly needed water to some of the drier parts of the Sahara Desert, the Associated Press reported.
The North African government said September’s floods were the worst in decades, with four inches of rain falling in one day, particularly in the southeastern village of Rabat.
Images from a NASA satellite show that rain has filled Lake Iriki, the bed of which lies between Zagora and Tata, after being dry for 50 years.
Merzouga was also hit by rain.
Heavy rains in Morocco have flooded areas and lakes that have been dry for decades. This image shows flooded areas of the town of Merzouga. AP After a big storm in September, the dunes were filled with heavy rain. AP
Specimens smaller than 10 inches are typically seen there each year, so people raced through puddles and oasis areas in 4WD all-terrain vehicles.
Excited locals near Rashidia drove through the remnants of the rain. Associated Press The storm has created an oasis in Morocco’s Merzouga region. AP
The storm comes after six consecutive years of drought.
“It’s been 30 to 50 years since we’ve had this much rain in such a short period of time,” said Hussin Youabeb of Morocco’s Meteorological Directorate.
He added that the rain could have a multi-year impact on the country’s weather due to increased moisture in the atmosphere.
Another effect of September’s storms was to replenish reservoirs at a record pace, providing local residents with an additional source of water.
Experts have suggested that excessive rain around Merzouga could have long-term effects on Morocco’s climate. Associated Press Merzouga and other areas received several inches of rain in 24 hours last month. AP
It is still too early to tell what impact recent rains will have on drought mitigation.
The storm claimed 20 lives and damaged agricultural production between Morocco and neighboring Algeria.
