On October 28, 2024, a devastating hailstorm struck El Ejido, a town renowned for its extensive greenhouse agriculture, often referred to as the “plastic sea.” The storm, part of a high-altitude atmospheric system known as DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), brought torrential rain, hail, and thunderstorms, leaving a trail of destruction.
According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the storm delivered 80 mm (3.15 inches) of rain in just 12 hours, leading to flooding and structural collapse of greenhouses. Approximately 4,500 hectares (11,000 acres) out of El Ejido’s 13,000 hectares (32,100 acres) of greenhouses were destroyed.
Economic Impact on Agriculture
The hailstorm’s damage is estimated in the millions of dollars, affecting hundreds of families and agricultural jobs in the region. The worst-hit crops were peppers, a staple of El Ejido’s production. While some farms had started harvesting early, others faced near-total losses.
Adoración Blanque, president of ASAJA Almería, emphasized the devastating impact on the region’s economic engine:
“This storm is a massive blow to agricultural infrastructure and local livelihoods.”
Cooperatives reported that damage varied significantly across the region. While some farms faced direct hits, others struggled with severe flooding, making damage assessments challenging.
The Broader Context of Climate Extremes
This event highlights the growing vulnerability of agriculture to extreme weather. Just a day after the El Ejido hailstorm, Valencia experienced its worst floods in recorded history, with over 445 mm (17.53 inches) of rainfall in 24 hours. The floods caused widespread devastation, further underscoring the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The Path Forward for Greenhouse Farming
The hailstorm in El Ejido serves as a wake-up call for the agricultural sector:
- Strengthening Infrastructure: Investing in more resilient greenhouse materials can help mitigate damage from hail and storms.
- Climate Adaptation Strategies: Farmers need support to adopt weather prediction technologies and improve drainage systems.
- Insurance and Financial Aid: Accessible insurance policies and government assistance can provide crucial relief to affected farmers.
The El Ejido hailstorm is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change to modern agriculture. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the agricultural sector must prioritize resilience, innovation, and collaboration to protect livelihoods and ensure food security.
