Following the recent hailstorm that hit the Mediterranean regions of Spain over the weekend, the assessment of damages has begun. The farmers’ association has reported significant damage to hundreds of thousands of hectares of fruit and vegetable crops in Lorca. The evaluation process will start on Sunday once the fields are accessible without ice and mud.
In specific districts like Marchena, Tercia, La Hoya, Purias, and Campillo, entire watermelon crops and a significant portion of broccoli have been lost. The local agricultural association president visited the fields to assess the situation after a relentless 35-minute hailstorm last Saturday. The hail not only destroyed fruits and vegetables in open fields but also caused damage to structures such as greenhouses.
The association has stated that the watermelon production, as well as the final stages of broccoli and lettuce harvest, have been completely lost. Additionally, damage to orchards, particularly for lemons, has yet to be assessed and will become more visible in the coming days.
The manager expressed the severity of the situation, calling it a “catastrophe for the sector” as the hailstorm affected the entire watermelon cycle, from recently planted crops to those about to be harvested. Some farmers have lost everything and will not have any production this summer. Time constraints prevent them from removing damaged crops and starting new plantations.
Lorca’s municipality website reported that the mayor has intervened, stating the intention to request the declaration of the affected area as an emergency from the Autonomous Community’s civil protection. This declaration would enable affected farmers to receive assistance. The mayor, along with the councilor for agriculture, visited the heavily impacted areas in collaboration with the farmers.
Source:italiafruit, Photo by Tetyana Kovyrina: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-wheat-1600139/
16 May 2023
