Lake Hamoun (Iran)

Description

Fed primarily from water catchment areas in neighbouring Afghanistan, Lake Hamoun su¤ered from a dry period between 1999 and 2001. A reduction in precipitation along with diversion of upstream sources emptied the lake completely. The exposed sand was blown by the wind to form huge dunes which buried several hundred fishing villages. Happily, heavier rainfall and changes in water management resulted in the return of much of the lake water by 2003.