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Morocco's Drought Breaks After Seven Years of Scarcity
12 Jan
Summary
- Morocco has ended a seven-year drought due to significant winter rainfall.
- Rainfall is 95% higher than last year and 17% above average.
- Dam filling rates have reached 46%, with some reservoirs at full capacity.
Morocco is celebrating the end of a severe seven-year drought, following a winter season marked by abundant rainfall. Water Minister Nizar Baraka announced on Monday that rainfall levels have dramatically increased, showing a 95% rise from the previous year and exceeding the seasonal average by 17%. This meteorological shift has led to a significant recovery in water resources across the country.
The increased rainfall has boosted the average dam-filling rate to 46%, with official data confirming that several crucial reservoirs have reached their full capacity. This development offers a vital reprieve to Morocco's agricultural sector, which has endured years of water restrictions, impacting crop yields, livestock, and employment.
In response to past water scarcity, Morocco is also accelerating its desalination plans. The nation aims to source 60% of its drinking water from treated seawater by 2030, a substantial increase from the previous target of 25%. This strategy will help preserve dam water for inland regions while ensuring a stable supply of potable water.
