RABAT, Morocco (AP) — A rare deluge of rainfall left blue lagoons of water amid the palm trees and sand dunes of the Sahara desert, nourishing some of its driest regions with more water than they had seen in decades.

A rare downpour of rain left flood waters among palm trees and sand dunes in the Sahara desert, drenching some of its driest regions with more water than they have seen in decades. The Moroccan government,

Heavy rainfall in southeastern Morocco has led to flooding in the Sahara Desert near Merzouga, Rachidia. The downpour created lakes, flooding palm trees and oases, and transforming the typically dry desert landscape.

Typically known for its droughts, meteorologists say it has been 30 years since this much rain has fallen in the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

A rare deluge of rainfall left blue lagoons of water amid the palm trees and sand dunes of the Sahara desert, nourishing some of its most drought-stricken regions with more water than many had seen in decades.

The Sahara Desert in southeastern Morocco has experienced a rare deluge of rainfall, transforming it into a blue lagoon. This has brought relief to drought-stricken areas, recharging groundwater and reservoirs.

Water rushing between the sand dunes of southern Morocco: the surreal image left by the heavy rains that fell in August and September have given a different face to the Moroccan Sahara, better known for its frequent droughts.