Severe hailstorm damages 12 360 ha (30 550 acres) of crops in Valencia and Castellón, Spain

A hailstorm struck Valencia and Castellón on May 10, 2025, affecting 12 360 ha (30 550 acres) of farmland and causing estimated losses of €7.6 million, according to La Unió Llauradora. The Utiel-Requena area was the most severely affected, with more than 10 500 ha (25 950 acres) damaged and nearly €7 million in estimated losses.

Vineyards experienced the most damage, with 7 660 ha (18 940 acres) affected across the provinces. Almond groves had 2 270 ha (5 600 acres) impacted, olive groves 1 144 ha (2 830 acres), and cereals 825 ha (2 040 acres). Citrus crops, important to the region, saw 460 ha (1 140 acres) damaged, especially in Plana Baixa.

The municipalities most affected included Camporrobles, Sinarcas, Requena, Utiel, Venta del Moro, and Caudete de las Fuentes. In some zones, crop losses reached 70–100%. The storm occurred during the citrus porgà phase, which may lead to underreported damage due to natural fruit shedding.

Other affected areas included La Serranía with 640 ha (1 580 acres) damaged and €429 000 in losses, Alto Palancia with 505 ha (1 250 acres) and €354 000 in losses, Camp de Túria with 390 ha (970 acres) and €338 000, Castellón and Plana Baixa with 250 ha (620 acres) and €448 000 in damages, and Camp de Morvedre with 54 ha (130 acres) affected and €87 000 in losses.

Wind gusts of up to 50 km/h (30 mph) accompanied the hail, causing branches and leaves to fall and leading to soil erosion in the affected zones. Young foliage and early-stage fruit were particularly at risk, with citrus trees in the sprouting phase losing significant growth. Vegetable crops, also in active growth, had extensive damage.

La Unió Llauradora urged Agroseguro to speed up field assessments to guarantee timely compensation for farmers. Concerns were raised regarding citrus crop coverage, as delayed evaluations could overlook damage caused during the porgà process. The organization called for immediate on-site inspections.

The farmers’ association also proposed that the Ministry of Agriculture waive insurance deductibles in areas declared civil protection emergencies. Additional requests to the Generalitat included direct aid, cancellation of rural property taxes (IBI), Social Security relief, subsidized loans, and free fungicides to assist recovery efforts.

Local cooperatives and farmers are coordinating efforts by sharing machinery and repurposing processing lines for salvaged produce. Some farmers are considering replanting minor crops, such as potatoes, to reduce losses.

On May 13, the Valencian government’s Consell approved a request for a “zona afectada gravemente” (“gravely affected zone”) declaration, which would enable access to central subsidies, tax exemptions, and infrastructure repair funds. Affected municipalities are also seeking “zona catastrófica” (“disaster area”) status to secure additional emergency funding.

Previous storms in late April and on May 4, had already damaged 8 500 ha (21 000 acres) and 2 500 ha (6 170 acres), respectively, contributing to cumulative losses in the region.

References:

¹ Graves daños en cultivos de Valencia y Castellón por el granizo: LA UNIÓ cifra el impacto en 7,6 millones de pérdidas – Agronews Comunitat Valenciana – May 12, 2025

² Observatorio sobre el sector agroalimentario de las regiones españolas. Informe 2023 – Grupo Cajamar – February 14, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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