November 2024 has delivered much-needed rainfall, with nine days of rain so far out of 18 and an average of 86mm. While this has provided some relief from the ongoing drought, it is clear that significantly more rainfall is required to restore balance.
The soil tells a compelling story of this rainfalls limitations. Despite the recent showers, local weather page ‘It-Temp Madwarna’ has indicated that rainwater has only managed to seep a few centimetres into the ground, leaving the deeper layers completely dry. This reveals how parched the land remains even after these rains, highlighting the severity of the drought and the challenges in replenishing groundwater levels.
In Qlejħa Valley, located between Mosta and Rabat, the situation is similarly stark. The area has yet to see its waterways fill up or overflow, as much of the water has been absorbed by the surrounding farmland. The thirsty soil and crops have consumed the rainfall, leaving insufficient water to revitalise the valley and surrounding ecosystem.
Despite these early signs of relief, the persistent dryness underscores the urgent need for continued rainfall to sustain both the environment and agricultural productivity.
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