After 12 long years of drought, the parched deserts of Libya have sprung to life, revealing an enthralling spectacle of waterfalls and a vast lake in the southwestern region. The once barren desert of Ubari has transformed into a playful watery wonderland for children and created cascading “waterfalls” in the Haruj area, which hosts North Africa’s largest collection of volcanic mountains.
These awe-inspiring scenes are a continuation of persistent rainfall, from last Saturday until Monday evening, that showered several southwestern Libyan cities, ranging from moderate to heavy, according to the National Meteorological Center. Climate forecasts indicate the continuation of this wet wave, particularly in the “Tebesti and Akakus” mountains and the city of Ghat, near the Algerian border, albeit lighter in northern coastal areas from Sirte and Misrata to Tripoli.
Ubari’s Makeover: The Youth Local Council in Ubari municipality has documented the formation of a large lake in one of the “arid” valleys near the city, drawing children to revel in its waters—a remarkable event since they have never witnessed such abundant rainfall in their lifetimes.
However, not all has been joyous, as the Ubari municipality reported damage in the Project neighborhood due to the rains causing the collapse of four houses, prompting a coordinated effort with the Red Crescent Association team to assist the affected families.
Haruj’s Waterfalls: In Haruj, surrounding valleys poured their waters into the area, known for its “dormant volcanoes for thousands of years.” Geological crevices and vascular pits turned into natural water reservoirs, while the cliffs became “waterfalls,” as observed by Misbah Auwaid, an employee at the Haruj Oil Operations Company.
What transpired in the south was preceded by similar events in the eastern region after storm “Daniel,” causing extensive damage, especially to the city of Derna last month, where lakes formed in several desert areas, the most notable being the Al-Makhili region.
A 12-Year Dry Spell: Libyan expert Khaled Al-Badri, from the International Institute for Sustainable Development, indicated that many desert regions in southern Libya have not experienced notable rainfall for the past 12 years. Ubari lies within what is known as the “Sahara Desert” in Africa, one of the areas with the lowest rainfall worldwide. But this wave signifies the stark impacts of climate change, possibly aiding in combating desertification, according to Al-Badri.
Emergency in Ghat: In Ghat city, the municipal council raised the maximum emergency level. Earlier, Qumani Saleh, Mayor of Ghat, spoke about ensuring that rescue and emergency teams are fully mobilized to prevent a repeat of the catastrophe that befell Derna in eastern Libya, struck by the floods of Cyclone “Daniel,” resulting in thousands of deaths and massive material losses.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin Ramadan, Director of Media at the Libyan Meteorological Department, reassured citizens in the west of the country and cities bordering Algeria about the weather conditions, affirming that the situation is not dire and that the yellow danger signal, which is the least serious, has been lifted.
Simultaneously, residents in Ghat and neighboring cities, especially those near the valley, are urged to exercise caution amidst the continuing rainfall that may lead to water flow in the valley. On Monday, Abdul Hadi Al-Hawij, Foreign Minister in the government appointed by the House of Representatives, stated that climate change caused storm “Daniel,” considering Libya a “victim of global warming” caused by “major industrial countries” in his dialogue with the French newspaper “Le Figaro.”
This unexpected climatic event has brought not only a mesmerizing natural phenomenon to the arid regions of Libya but also a reminder of the tangible impacts of climate change. While the emerging waterfalls and lakes have brought joy and amazement to many, they also brought destruction and emergencies, symbolizing the dual-edged sword of nature’s unpredictability.
In a region that hasn’t witnessed significant rainfall in over a decade, a marvel of nature has unfolded. The arid Ubari Desert, located in southwestern Libya, renowned for its dry and harsh conditions, unexpectedly transformed into a picturesque scene of cascading waterfalls and a vast lake, after being hit by relentless rains.