Jordan, one of the driest countries on earth, is said to be experiencing its worst drought in 900 years. Its baseline water supply is inadequate and becoming worse with climate change. it has been difficult to name another country on the globe with less water per resident.

It’s estimated that Jordan’s scant water reserves can sustain a population of 2 million, yet the country’s current total population is approaching 10 million. The United Nations considers any nation with mean annual water supply below 500 m3 per resident to be experiencing “absolute scarcity.” Jordan’s weighs in at 150 m3.

• Despite generally being known as an arid, water-scarce country, Jordan frequently experiences heavy flooding, especially in the south.

• These floods generally occur during the transition between seasons, typically October-November and March-May.

• Alarmingly, the frequency of the strong rains that cause flash floods has increased in recent years. This trend is likely to continue, as Jordan’s climate is particularly sensitive to climate change.

• While the changing climate is expected to bring more droughts, it is also predicted to cause a greater number of wet years and seasons. During these periods, the intensity and frequency of heavy rain are likely to increase, making flash floods more likely.

In Jordan, Flash Floods are a Dramatic Reminder of Environmental Challenges

• Over the past 100 years, Jordan has witnessed two strong earthquakes:

• The first was in 1927 in Jericho, Palestine, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale

• The second was in 1995 in Aqaba, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, the JSO director said in previous remarks.

• In late November 2016, earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, which struck an area 100 kilometers away from the southern city of Aqaba.

• An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, followed by four aftershocks, struck Aqaba on May 16, 2016, and no casualties or damage were reported.

• In 5-4-2020, earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, which struck the city of Aqaba.

Thikra Shoubieta