Damage from DANA ‘Adam’ could exceed 7,000 insured agricultural hectares in the Comunidad Valenciana and Región de Murcia. Citrus alone could account for 5,000 hectares, while the economic impact remains unknown.
Citrus groves could account for as much as 5,000 hectares of damage from DANA ‘Adam’. Agroseguro’s preliminary estimate on 21 October put the impact at more than 7,000 insured agricultural hectares across the Comunidad Valenciana and Región de Murcia. The total area and economic cost had not yet been established.
Excess water and flooding are among the expected sources of damage, along with soil washed away by runoff. Crops at risk include caqui and aguacate, as well as table grapes. Vegetables such as lettuce and broccoli are also at risk. Farm installations may be affected too, including greenhouses and other agricultural infrastructure.
The most substantial damage reported so far is in the Comunidad Valenciana, particularly La Safor in Valencia and La Marina Alta in Alicante. Agroseguro identified five municipalities that received exceptionally heavy rainfall: Oliva, Pego, Villalonga, Barx and Real de Gandía. During the storm’s most severe phase, some areas of the region recorded up to 700 litres of rain per square metre, according to El País.
Warnings intensified on 17 and 18 October, with red alerts for torrential rain in Valencia and Alicante. The heaviest phase in the Comunidad Valenciana came on the night and morning of 19 October, while heavy rain continued in Alicante and Murcia. Incidents were also reported across the Región de Murcia, including Campo de Cartagena and the municipalities of Águilas and Mazarrón. Other affected areas included Campo Dalías in Almería, Tarragona, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. Separate regional coverage has examined cybercrime in Extremadura.
AVA-ASAJA, an agricultural organisation, initially estimated that around 8,000 hectares in La Safor and La Marina had been affected. It reported uprooted trees and soil loss, along with damage to irrigation channels, farm buildings, machinery and greenhouses. Water levels exceeded one metre in some flooded plots. The organisation’s estimate covered affected farmland and agricultural infrastructure, while Agroseguro’s preliminary figure referred to insured agricultural hectares.
Agroseguro says damage caused by the DANA is covered by Spain’s Combined Agricultural Insurance system. That includes losses from excessive rainfall and flooding affecting insured crops and agricultural installations. Its director general, Sergio de Andrés, said the damage was covered, but it was too early to determine the final extent and cost. The insurer is preparing expert teams to assess claims. Inspections are due to begin once the emergency has ended and farms can be reached safely. Agroseguro has also advised farmers not to put themselves at risk and said there is no urgency to submit notifications while dangerous conditions persist.
