Is half an inch of rain news?
It is in Morocco.
Al Bayane newspaper publishes a quick list of rainfall on its website this Monday. We learn that over the weekend, Laayoune had 15 milliliters (0.5 inches) of rain, and Ifrane had 17 millimeters on Friday.
For most of us, these aren’t shocking numbers. But in Morocco, they’re news.
Bear in mind that the Ministry of Religious Affairs appealed to Moroccans only two weeks ago to pray for rain. Performing the ”Salat al Istisqua”, the ministry hoped, would end the dry spell that had gripped Morocco this winter.
It seems to have worked. Rain and even snow followed after thousands of Moroccans prayed in the mosques and in the open air.
Moroccans love rain. It’s good for agriculture, of course, so fruit and vegetable prices won’t go up. But it’s more than that. Water is so scarce in this country that newspapers regularly list the amount of water stored in reservoirs across the country.
Wasting water is a real no-no. Almost every hotel bathroom has a sign that says, “Water is a source of life, don’t waste it.” And if you want to offend a Moroccan, splash a bucket of water around in a hammam.
Rain even has a spiritual meaning. For many in Morocco, rain is a purifier that cleans the soul and washes away its sins. So the final arrival of half an inch was met with smiles all around. And made for some good news in the papers.