Unexpected Sahara floods leave 20 dead, scores missing
The largest rainfall in 50 years has caused flooding in the Sahara, catching residents completely by surprise. At least 20 people have died, and many are missing.
10:59 AM EDT, October 11, 2024
Unprecedented rainfall has led to flooding in the Sahara, bringing more water to some of the most drought-affected regions than they have seen in decades. Experts claim this could significantly alter future weather forecasts.
This kind of situation hasn't occurred in many years. The water quickly flooded all desert depressions and flowed toward the villages. Morocco and Algeria are particularly affected by the flooding.
Tragic consequences of the flood
Residents were caught off guard by the phenomenon's strength and had nowhere safe to shelter. Torrential river currents flooded their buildings up to the roofs. According to the latest data, at least 20 people have died, and many remain missing.
The desert in southeastern Morocco is one of the driest places in the world, and rainfall rarely occurs in late summer.
NASA satellites have shown that water is creeping into Lake Iriki, which has been dry for 50 years.
