Water, a precious and vital resource, has always been a major issue in the mountainous regions of the High Atlas in Morocco. However, following the earthquake of September 8, a rare geological phenomenon occurred: the appearance of new water sources. Both surprising and encouraging, this phenomenon offers some relief for residents of this region who have experienced periods of drought.
In the province of Al Haouz, the affected villages are slowly recovering from the disaster. Meanwhile, the inhabitants discover with astonishment the emergence of new water sources, without prior rain or snow. These springs, which were previously dried up due to drought, are now seeing their flow increase thanks to the earthquake.
Local authorities have already identified 45 sources which have benefited from this unexpected supply of water. For the residents, this is a real blessing. “For months, we had been living in drought. The river was dry and we were seriously lacking water. Thanks to the earthquake, the water came out of the mountains and we can finally replenish our supplies. It’s a real miracle”, testifies Mohamed, a resident of the region.
According to Hassan Ibouh, geologist at the Faculty of Sciences of Marrakech, this phenomenon is explained by the presence of pockets of water intersecting with geological fractures. The earthquake caused the closure of some fractures, thus releasing new sources of water, while other existing sources saw their flow increase. However, it is important to note that the total amount of water in the rock remains the same, only its release is different.
While this finding may be beneficial for drought-affected villages, it is important to point out that it may lead to reduced spring flow in other areas. This is why scientists call for caution and balanced management of this new resource.
In conclusion, the appearance of new water sources in the High Atlas following the September 8 earthquake provides a welcome respite for local populations. However, it is crucial to ensure a balanced use of this precious resource to ensure the sustainability of this new water source.