What Happened?
In a rare event, heavy rainfall caused flooding in the southeastern part of Morocco, specifically in the Sahara Desert. This area, notorious for its dry conditions, has not seen this level of rainfall in half a century. The flood has filled the once bone-dry desert with pools of water, creating temporary lakes amidst sand dunes and date palm groves.
The images showing vast stretches of desert land submerged under water have surprised many across the world.
Why Did It Happen?
The reason for this unusual event lies in the shifting position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of low pressure that usually brings rainfall near the equator. This year, the ITCZ shifted further north than usual, causing it to bring torrential rains to the Sahara. Such a northward shift is highly uncommon, which is why the region experienced heavy downpours.
Typically, areas around 0° latitude (the equator) witness this convergence of weather systems, but as the ITCZ moved upward, it caused significant rainfall in the desert, where the conditions are normally too dry for such weather.
Geographical Importance of the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert stretches across the northern part of the African continent, covering around 31% of Africa. It spans 11 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, and Tunisia, among others. Understanding its geographical location is crucial as it influences weather patterns in Africa and beyond.
If you look at the world map, the Sahara is located just north of the equator, extending up to 10° latitude in some areas. It is this strategic positioning that makes the current event particularly noteworthy, as weather systems typically do not affect this region in this manner.
Impact of the Flood
While the flood brought temporary relief to drought-stricken areas, it also caused some damage. In Morocco and Algeria, over 20 people lost their lives due to the sudden floodwaters. Additionally, crops in the affected areas were destroyed, making it a mixed blessing for local communities.
On the brighter side, the flood has the potential to recharge underground water tables in these extremely dry regions. The ground will absorb the excess water, which could benefit agriculture and water supply in the future. Southeastern Morocco, in particular, has been suffering from severe droughts for the past six years, making this rainfall a much-needed respite.
A Historic Perspective: The Last 50 Years
The flooding of dry desert areas, particularly around Lake Iriki, is highly unusual. For decades, the Sahara has been known for its harsh, dry conditions. NASA satellite images captured the historic flooding, showing water flowing through areas that have been barren for over 50 years. These images offer a glimpse into the rare weather conditions that can occasionally bring such changes to arid landscapes.
Conclusion
While the Sahara Desert is not usually associated with rainfall or floods, this recent event highlights the unpredictable nature of our climate. The shifting ITCZ and the rare occurrence of rainfall in this region remind us that even the harshest landscapes can experience moments of change.
For the people living in and around the desert, this event has both positive and negative consequences. While the floodwaters offer temporary relief from drought, they also bring challenges in terms of destruction and loss of life.
