In an extraordinary weather event, parts of the Sahara Desert have experienced severe flooding for the first time in five decades, following two days of torrential rainfall in southeastern Morocco. This rare phenomenon has drawn attention from meteorologists and climate experts alike, who are concerned about the potential long-term implications for the region’s climate.
Officials from Morocco’s meteorology agency reported that the village of Tagounite, located 450 kilometers south of the capital, Rabat, recorded over 100 millimeters of rain within a single day in September, far exceeding the area’s annual precipitation averages. Houssine Youabeb, a representative of the agency, noted, “It’s been 30 to 50 years since we’ve had this much rain in such a short space of time.”
The unprecedented rainfall has led to devastating flooding across Morocco, claiming the lives of 18 individuals last month. This disaster comes as the region is still grappling with recovery efforts following a significant earthquake the previous year. Notably, satellite images captured by NASA revealed that Lake Iriqui—a dry lake bed that had remained barren for half a century—was revitalized by the recent downpour.
Meteorologists have attributed the intense weather to an extratropical storm, raising concerns that such extreme conditions may become more frequent in the Sahara due to the effects of global warming. The Sahara Desert, which spans over 9 million square kilometers across North, Central, and West Africa, is increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, highlighted the concerning trend, stating, “As a result of rising temperatures, the hydrological cycle has accelerated. It has also become more erratic and unpredictable, and we are facing growing problems of either too much or too little water.” She emphasized that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, which contributes to heavy rainfall, while rapid evaporation exacerbates drought conditions.
As the region faces the realities of climate change, these recent floods may serve as a stark reminder of the potential challenges that lie ahead for the Sahara and its surrounding communities.
Sources By Agencies