Almond, apricot and peach crops suffer hail damage in Murcia

Losses caused by a hail storm on April 22 in the Region of Murcia (Spain) have been estimated. In total, 4,450 hectares were damaged, including mainly almond (3,510 ha), apricot (582 ha) and peach (204 ha) crops, according to data from the technicians of the Regional Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

 

The most affected areas include the Northwest region, with localities such as Bullas, Caravaca de la Cruz, Moratalla and Cehegín; the Mula River, which includes Campos del Río, Albudeite, Mula and Pliego; and the Lower Guadalentín, where Aledo, Alhama de Murcia, Librilla and Totana are located.

 

During an inspection to the damaged fields in Bullas, the counselor Sara Rubira commented that the losses between Bullas and Cehegín amount to 7.6 million euros, affecting about 3,000 hectares. Fortunately, no significant damage to the wood of the trees was reported. Rubira stressed that damage to fruit trees varies between 50 and 80 percent of the properties, just at the beginning of the harvest season, which implies a considerable loss of fruit.

 

Faced with this critical situation, Agroseguro has been called upon to urgently process compensation claims from affected farmers to alleviate the economic impact of this natural catastrophe.