Sahara Desert experiences rare flooding for first time in 50 years

Parts of the Sahara Desert have flooded for the first time in 50 years due to a rare downpour. Southeastern Morocco received more rain in two days last September than it typically sees in a year. In Tagounite, over 100 millimeters of rain fell in 24 hours, filling Lake Iriqui, a dry lake bed. The flooding created unusual scenes of water among sand dunes and palm trees. While the rainfall may help replenish groundwater after six years of drought, it also caused over 20 deaths in Morocco and Algeria and damaged crops, leading to emergency aid from the government.