The Eritrean Highlands are a mountainous region in central Eritrea that are bordered to the south by the Mareb River. It is a continuation of the Ethiopian Highlands to the south. The region has seen tremendous deforestation since the colonial period, which began in the late 19th century. The Highlands are at particular risk of deforestation and associated soil erosion. Furthermore, the region, lying south of the Sahel are at particular risk of desertification and frequent drought. The Highlands experience, as most tropical regions, two seasons; the rainy season (kremti) is from June-September while the dry season is from September to June. The average temperature for the Highlands is approximately 16°C. The highest point in Eritrea is located in the Eritrean Highlands at Emba Soira (3,018 m). The Eritrean Highlands are drained by four major rivers towards Sudan and by several smaller rivers into the Red Sea coast of Eritrea. Flowing towards Sudan and the Nile River are the Gash and Setit Rivers, while towards Sudan without reaching the Nile are the Barka and Anseba Rivers. The Eastern Escarpment of Eritrea is drained by numerous small streams.