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For the first time in over 50 years, the Sahara Desert—a place synonymous with arid landscapes and endless sand—has been struck by catastrophic floods. In a dramatic twist, two days of relentless rainfall in southeastern Morocco unleashed torrents that transformed the parched desert into a flooded expanse, a sight unseen for decades. Tagounite, a remote village 450 kilometers south of Rabat, was at the center of this extraordinary event, recording more than 100mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, far exceeding the region’s yearly average.
Satellite images captured the astonishing rebirth of Lake Iriqui, a dry lake bed untouched by water for half a century, now refilled in the wake of the deluge. Morocco's meteorology officials called it an unparalleled event, with meteorologist Houssine Youabeb noting that it had been decades since such intense rainfall hit the region in such a short time. The deluge, caused by an extratropical storm, raises questions about the future of the Sahara's weather patterns. As atmospheric moisture increases, so does the potential for more frequent and powerful storms in this once reliably dry landscape. The impact was devastating—claiming 18 lives and even extending into regions still reeling from an earthquake the previous year.
The Sahara Desert, a vast stretch covering over 9 million square kilometers, faces growing threats from extreme weather, driven by global warming. With dammed reservoirs refilling at unprecedented rates, scientists now warn that such dramatic weather events may no longer be rare. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, stressed that rising global temperatures are disrupting the planet’s water cycles, leading to both more severe floods and worsening droughts. “A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which is conducive to heavy rainfall. More rapid evaporation worsens drought conditions,” she said.
Mystical Rock Lotus can add intrigue to rock gardens & terrariums
Dr Adarsha Gowda
Chairperson of Entrepreneurship & Consultancy, Head, Dept of Food Science, Dept of Food Processing, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka, India.
The Mystical Rock Lotus is a truly enchanting plant renowned for its delicate, ethereal pink blossoms that unfurl gracefully from rugged stone surfaces. This remarkable plant is supported by intricate, vibrant pink roots that cascade down the rock faces, creating a captivating display of nature’s resilience and artistry. Each root forms a delicate lattice, weaving through the crevices of the stone and adding a touch of enchantment to any setting.
Light: Thrives in partial to full sunlight. It flourishes best when exposed to gentle, filtered light that mimics its natural habitat.
Water: To maintain optimal moisture around the roots, mist the plant regularly. The Mystical Rock Lotus prefers a consistently humid environment, so regular misting is key to its well-being.
Soil: This plant is unique in that it requires minimal substrate, often growing directly on the rocks themselves. Its roots are adapted to cling to and extract nutrients from the rocky surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens or decorative terrariums.
Temperature: The Mystical Rock Lotus does well in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C). It is best to keep it within this temperature range to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Humidity: High humidity is crucial for this plant’s survival. It thrives in moist, humid conditions and may struggle in dry environments. Consider placing it in a humidity-rich area or using a humidity tray to maintain the necessary moisture levels.
Fertilizer: This plant rarely needs additional fertilization. It performs well in natural, nutrient-rich environments and is adapted to thrive with minimal intervention.
The Mystical Rock Lotus is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to rock gardens, terrariums, or any display where you want to showcase the remarkable beauty and tenacity of nature. Its striking appearance and low maintenance needs make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking to create a unique and captivating focal point.
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