Amman, Jan. 2 (Petra)-- Rainfall across Jordan has reached nearly 90 percent of the country’s long-term annual average so far this season, compared with just 40 percent during the same period last year, signaling a significantly improved water outlook and a notable recovery in dam storage and groundwater reserves.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Ministry of Water and Irrigation spokesperson Omar Salameh said the recent rainfall will have a positive impact on the country’s water situation.

He explained that any rainfall contributes between 3 and 5 percent to groundwater recharge, particularly important after the decline recorded over the past two years due to climate change and increased over-extraction.

Salameh noted that the ministry is working intensively to maximize the benefits of rainwater and flood flows. Measures include capturing floodwaters at Shu’aib Dam and transferring them to the King Abdullah Canal, removing part of the sediment buildup at Mujib Dam, and utilizing floodwaters in northern regions for storage at Wadi Al-Arab Dam.

He stressed that these efforts are part of a broader national plan to enhance water resource management efficiency and improve storage levels, thereby strengthening Jordan’s water security.

//Petra// MF