Torrential rain showers that have brought widespread flooding in western coastal areas of Almería and claimed the lives of three people have damaged hundred of hectares of greenhouse production.
Agricultural union COAG estimated that up to 1,000ha of production had suffered some kind of damage, with Adra, Balanegra and El Ejido the worst affected localities. Serious damage has also been reported to local roads.
“We will have to wait for a few days to see what impact there will be on crops which, in the majority of cases have just been planted,” said COAG’s regional secretary Andrés Góngora. “In all likelihood, farms that were under water will have to pull up crops because the roots will have rotted.”
José García of Agrupaadra told Fruitnet that water had entered a number of greenhouses and some walls had been washed away in the deluge.
“It is still too early to get an accurate picture but we estimate that around 100-150ha of production have been affected in and around Adra,” he said. “California peppers have borne the brunt of the impact as the season was just about to start. Harvesting was due to get underway on 20 September but the flooding, coupled with delays caused by the recent high temperatures, means this date will be pushed back somewhat.”
García added that in his opinion, COAG’s estimates were “a little on the high side”.
