A rare and powerful rainfall in Morocco’s southeastern desert has revived long-dry lakes and ponds, bringing a welcome sight to locals and tourists who call it a blessing.
In Merzouga, a popular tourist destination around 600 kilometres southeast of Rabat, ponds and lakes have reappeared among the golden dunes, a transformation unseen for nearly two decades. Some tour guides described the rains as a long-awaited gift, while others called it a “blessing from the sky,” noting the desert’s vegetation and wildlife have sprung back to life.
Morocco is experiencing its most severe drought in 80 years, with a report from the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) stating that rainfall had dropped by 48%. However, September’s torrential rains brought some relief to the parched land and partially filled groundwater reserves, although experts say sustained rains are essential for long-term recovery.
Neighboring Algeria also saw unusual rains and flooding this month, underscoring North Africa’s climate challenges as one of the world’s most water-stressed regions. Fatima Driouech, a climate scientist, attributed the unusual rains to climate shifts, though she called for more research to understand these patterns better.
The return of water has not only revived the landscape but has attracted more tourists to the region. Jean Marc Berhocoirigoin, a French tourist, expressed surprise at seeing Yasmina Lake replenished, saying, “I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.”
While Morocco’s meteorological agency has said such extreme rainfall could become more common as climate patterns shift, Driouech warns that a single heavy rainfall will not bring lasting change to Morocco’s drought-affected regions.