Severe windstorms devastate agriculture in Baix Ebre and Montsià with 147 km/h gusts

The storm destroyed ancient olive trees and greenhouses in southern Catalonia, sparking fears over the future of local farming.

Generic image of a century-old olive tree uprooted by the wind in a farmland.
IA

Generic image of a century-old olive tree uprooted by the wind in a farmland.

Last weekend's powerful windstorms have left a trail of destruction across the Baix Ebre and Montsià regions, with peak gusts reaching 147 km/h in Mas de Barberans.

The agricultural sector is facing a critical situation after the wind uprooted century-old olive and carob trees. In Roquetes, heavy-duty metal structures designed to protect citrus groves were bent and collapsed under the force of the air, despite being reinforced with concrete.

"There are farms that will be abandoned because they cannot be recovered."

Valentí Altés · Farmer and rancher
In the Els Reguers area, tomato greenhouses suffered severe structural damage. Local farmers warn that the succession of extreme weather events—including drought, floods, and now windstorms—is threatening the survival of the industry and discouraging younger generations from continuing the profession.