Rain That Broke Records
September 2024. The Sahara desert, one of the driest places on Earth, saw floods. In a single week, some areas received more rain than they had in the previous five years combined.
My First Thought
When I saw the videos, I did not believe them. Water rushing through palm groves in Merzouga. Lakes forming where sand dunes once stood. Tourists posting photos of rain in the desert.
Climate change is not coming. It is here.
How Moroccans Reacted
The reactions were mixed:
- Amazement: People had never seen this much rain in their lifetimes
- Concern: Flooding damaged homes and roads
- Gratitude: Farmers welcomed water for crops
- Fear: The unpredictability worried many
The Darija on Social Media
Scrolling through Instagram and TikTok, I saw:
- Rah l’ghbar. Safi. (The dust is gone. Enough.)
- Allah yjib lkhir. (God brings goodness.)
- Hadi l’ghbar? Wain rah? (Is this the desert? Where is it?)
What This Means
Morocco already faces water scarcity. This rain was both a blessing and a warning. The climate is changing faster than anyone predicted.
Looking Forward
Moroccans are resilient. We adapt. But this much water in the desert? I never thought I would see it.
Allah yjib lkhir o l’baraka.