Climatology and Dynamical Evolution of Extreme Rainfall Events in the Sinai Peninsula—Egypt

Marina Baldi, Doaa Amin, Islam Sabry Al Zayed and Giovannangelo Dalu
Additional contact information
Marina Baldi: CNR-IBE, 00185 Rome, Italy
Doaa Amin: Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), National Water Research Center (NWRC), 13621 Cairo, Egypt
Islam Sabry Al Zayed: Technical Office, Headquarter, National Water Research Center (NWRC), 13411, Cairo, Egypt
Giovannangelo Dalu: CNR-IBE, 00185 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 15, 1-20

Abstract: The whole Mediterranean is suffering today because of climate changes, with projections of more severe impacts predicted for the coming decades. Egypt, on the southeastern flank of the Mediterranean Sea, is facing many challenges for water and food security, further exacerbated by the arid climate conditions. The Nile River represents the largest freshwater resource for the country, with a minor contribution coming from rainfall and from non-renewable groundwater aquifers. In more recent years, another important source is represented by non-conventional sources, such as treated wastewater reuse and desalination; these water resources are increasingly becoming valuable additional contributors to water availability. Moreover, although rainfall is scarce in Egypt, studies have shown that rainfall and flash floods can become an additional available source of water in the future. While presently rare, heavy rainfalls and flash floods are responsible for huge losses of lives and infrastructure especially in parts of the country, such as in the Sinai Peninsula. Despite the harsh climate, water from these events, when opportunely conveyed and treated, can represent a precious source of freshwater for small communities of Bedouins. In this work, rainfall climatology and flash flood events are presented, together with a discussion about the dynamics of some selected episodes and indications about future climate scenarios. Results can be used to evaluate the water harvesting potential in a region where water is scarce, also providing indications for improving the weather forecast. Basic information needed for identifying possible risks for population and infrastructures, when fed into hydrological models, could help to evaluate the flash flood water volumes at the outlets of the effective watershed(s). This valuable information will help policymakers and local governments to define strategies and measures for water harvesting and/or protection works.

Keywords: Sinai Peninsula; flash flood; climate change; CORDEX; water harvesting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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