The recent rains in northern Oman have recharged the aquifer and have benefited the trees, cattle wealth and some standing crops.
Natural buffers limit the expansion of desertification. Trees and plants help expand green areas, which are to soften vital to the atmosphere and increasing oxygen in the atmosphere.
Al Sheji village, located amid the Hajar mountains in the Wilayat of Rustaq, had a good share of these rains.
Villagers enjoyed the rain and were happy to see good amount of water flow in the channels. Some overflowed, while some dried for several months, got a new lease of life.
"This village has suffered from drought due to the lack of rainfall, but in recent years the amount of rain has increased. Today we are happy when we see the flow of water in the main water channel of the village. We are expecting good crop this year," locals told the Observer.
Al Sheji is famous for various types of plants and trees, such as palm trees, mangoes, lemons, and other types of vegetables, such as garlic, onions, and tomatoes, which are usually marketed at the local markets. The residents of this mountain village rely on rainwater to irrigate their farms.
"The rain is a good omen for all of us. The rain is also vital for wildlife in this village," they added.
Environmental specialists agree that this village, like other mountainous villages, is characterised by unique topographical characteristics.
"Among the wild animals seen here are foxes, lynxes, and Arabian tahr. The mountains and plains of this village host migratory birds," say the locals.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
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