Soheili Dams: A Natural Shield for the Village Against Floods and a Blessing for Palm Groves
In the village of Soheili, clever dams have been built that, in addition to protecting the village from devastating floods, help enrich groundwater aquifers and irrigate palm groves. These natural structures are repaired and improved every year by the village headman.
Soheili dams are designed to control the rapid flow of water and allow water to slowly infiltrate the ground. This natural process not only prevents the destruction of houses and farmland, but also gradually strengthens the village’s groundwater resources.
“These dams are the legacy of our ancestors, built with indigenous knowledge and using local materials. We rebuild them every year before the rainy season starts so that they are ready to contain possible floods.”
The water stored behind these dams seeps into the ground over time, feeding the water resources of the palm groves downstream. Local farmers appreciate the system, as they have access to enough water to irrigate their palm trees even during dry seasons.
Water resources experts believe that this traditional method of flood management could be a model for other flood-prone areas in the country. They emphasize that combining indigenous knowledge with modern techniques can increase the effectiveness of these dams.
The people of Soheili believe that maintaining and repairing these dams will not only ensure the safety of the village, but also guarantee the long-term survival of their agriculture and palm groves.