In a remarkable turn of events, a rare rainfall has transformed parts of the Sahara Desert, typically one of the world’s driest regions, into a scene of blue lagoons and lush greenery. The downpour, which has been described as the heaviest in decades, has led to the filling of Lake Iriqui, a once-parched lake bed that had been dry for over 50 years. A Green Transformation in the Desert The rainstorm, which occurred in September, brought about stunning changes to the otherwise barren desert landscape. Vast sand dunes, typically golden and desolate, are now submerged beneath sheets of water, creating vibrant green expanses across southeastern Morocco. Satellite imagery has captured the extraordinary sight of water flowing through the desert sands, surrounding ancient castles and nourishing desert flora. In some areas, palm trees have been partially submerged, reflecting in the newly formed lakes. Lake Iriqui, located in the southern part of the Sahara Desert, has become the focal point of this transformation, filling for the first time in half a century. The desert town of Merzouga, near Rachidia, has also witnessed unprecedented flooding, with nearby reservoirs reaching record levels throughout September. Climate Change and Atmospheric Shifts Experts have attributed this rare occurrence to a combination of climate change and unusual atmospheric conditions. Houssine Youabeb from Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology explained that the rain resulted from an extratropical storm, which brought with it unusually high levels of moisture. Brick by brick, Morocco rebuilds 12th-century mosque destroyed by 2023 earthquake  “It’s been 30 to 50 years since we’ve seen this much rain in such a short time,” Youabeb said, adding that the event may signal a shift in weather patterns for the region in the coming months and years. Southeastern Morocco typically sees less than 250 millimetres of rain annually, with late summer often being dry. However, two days of intense rainfall in September far exceeded the yearly average, raising questions about future weather trends. The increased moisture in the air could lead to more frequent storms and long-term changes in the region’s climate. A Mixed Blessing for the Region While the rainfall has brought hope of replenishing underground aquifers that are vital to life in desert regions, it has also caused tragedy. The heavy rains led to flash floods, which have claimed over 20 lives in Morocco and neighbouring Algeria. Farmers in the region, already struggling from six years of drought, saw their crops devastated by the downpours. In response, the Moroccan government has allocated emergency relief funds to the affected areas, many of which were also hit by an earthquake last year. The rains may offer a temporary reprieve from drought, but the long-term impact remains uncertain as communities continue to ration water and rebuild. The unexpected rain has brought beauty and destruction to the Sahara, creating a landscape that is as striking as it is fragile. For now, the sight of water glistening in the desert serves as a reminder of the unpredictable forces shaping the planet’s most extreme environments. Source: Agencies