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Lakes formed in Oman deserts after heavy rains

Recent heavy rains in Oman have led to the formation of stable desert lakes, a phenomenon captured in dramatic videos. These lakes, including the notable Qoa Al Jouba in Wilayat Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate

By Ground Report 24 Apr 2024

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Lakes formed in Oman deserts after heavy rains.

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Oman's desert lakes, formed by heavy rains in autumn, winter, and spring, are surprisingly stable. Recent footage shows a desert area in Oman turning into a lake after heavy rainfall. At least 21 people have died after heavy rains caused major flooding in Oman's Mahout, including at least 10 schoolchildren.

Lakes formed in Oman deserts

Oman reports that lakes formed in deserts after heavy rains in autumn, winter and spring turned out to be quite stable

Previously, similar new lakes were reported from Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/ARM3FRa8Q4
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Previously, similar new lakes were reported from Saudi Arabia. In May 2018, a very strong tropical cyclone named Mekunu hit the Arabian Peninsula. Normally, these storms lose power when they reach land, but Mekunu kept going and went over Oman. It brought heavy rain that made desert lakes in the 'Empty Quarter' of Saudi Arabia.

Dramatic videos of desert lakes forming after heavy rains have amazed people. Qoa Al Jouba, deep in the desert of Wilayat Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate, has turned into a huge lake, a rare sight except during big storms.

This change happened because a lot of rainwater flowed down from the hills through Wadi Halfeen, a long valley that stretches about 400 kilometres across Al Wusta. The recent heavy rains, caused by a big weather system, made this happen.

According to locals in the governorate, the lakes last had water during the rainy season in 2019 but completely dried up after April 2020.

Wadi Halfeen is one of Oman's biggest valleys, and it played a big role in collecting rainwater and making these lakes. It covers a large area, about 3,000 square kilometres, passing through different places like Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Nizwa, Adam, Manah, Izki, and Bahla.

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Author: Ground Report

Tags: Oman