For the first time in decades, the Sahara Desert has submerged underwater (photos and videos available).

In Morocco and other African nations, torrential rains have struck the Sahara Desert, causing significant flooding. Such downpours have not been witnessed for several decades. The heavy rainfall even refilled dried-up desert lakes. The rains persisted throughout August and September. The water has brought not only life—due to the flooding in Morocco, at least 20 people have lost their lives.

This is reported by AP. The Moroccan meteorological agency stated that such rains have not occurred in 30 to 50 years. The Iriki Lake, located between the Zagora and Papa regions, is once again filled with water, as evidenced by satellite images.

This image, captured by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites, depicts a series of ephemeral lagoons formed after the heavy rains in Erg Chebbi, Morocco. The abundant rainfall in recent weeks has caused rivers to overflow, thus filling one of the driest places on Earth.

Prior to this, the country had endured six years of drought. The incredible amount of precipitation could replenish groundwater aquifers, making it easier for farmers. In the future, an increase in water in the Sahara Desert may lead to significant climate change: with more evaporation, there will be more moisture in the air, potentially resulting in thunderstorms in certain regions.

People have suffered from flooding and heavy rains not only in Morocco. A sudden influx of water triggered severe flooding in several countries, particularly in Chad and Nigeria. This summer alone, around 1.5 million people in Chad were affected by flooding.

The causes of the rains in the desert may include a northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), an extratropical cyclone over the Atlantic Ocean, and general climate changes on the planet.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported that Antarctica has turned green—moss has begun to proliferate on the previously ice-bound shores. This could harm local wildlife.