“They will only be able to be assessed in a few days and after the water has drained away.” It will depend on how long the crops were under water and when the areas will be accessible again.
Crops such as oil pumpkins, soybeans, corn and grassland were particularly affected, the hail insurance company said in response to an APA inquiry. There was also damage to corn crops due to strong storms, especially in Styria.
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According to the Chamber of Agriculture, it will take some time for freshly sown crops such as rapeseed or specialty crops to show whether the seeds or seedlings have survived the flood. Winegrowers are also “more than challenged to get the late varieties into the cellar in good condition,” said Chamber of Agriculture head Moosbrugger. In addition, there is damage to the infrastructure in agriculture and forestry, and cellars and stables have been partially flooded.
The weather situation does not currently allow for a sugar beet harvest. “That is why the start of the sugar beet campaign, originally planned for this week, has been postponed by at least a week,” Agrana spokesman Markus Simak told APA. During the so-called “beet campaign,” the sugar factories process the beets into sugar in autumn and winter. In the Agrana sugar factory in Tulln, there is water ingress in several places on the factory premises, but the situation is “currently under control,” said the Agrana spokesman. In the Leopoldsdorf sugar factory in Marchfeld, according to Agrana, there are “currently no weather-related restrictions.”
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What crops were most affected by the severe storms and flooding in Austria?
Severe Storms and Flooding Cause Extensive Damage to Crops in Austria
A devastating combination of severe storms and flooding has left a trail of destruction in its wake, causing extensive damage to crops in Austria. The affected regions, particularly in Lower Austria and Styria, are struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the disaster, which has left many farmers wondering about the fate of their harvest.
According to the hail insurance company, the damage to crops is significant, with oil pumpkins, soybeans, corn, and grassland being the most affected. The strong storms, which brought heavy rainfall and hail, have also taken a toll on corn crops, especially in Styria. The full extent of the damage, however, will only be assessed in a few days, once the water has drained away and the affected areas become accessible again.
Assessing the Damage: A Wait-and-Watch Approach
The hail insurance company has stated that the assessment of the damage will depend on how long the crops were underwater and when the affected areas can be accessed again. This wait-and-watch approach is necessary to accurately determine the extent of the damage and provide adequate support to the affected farmers.
The Impact on Agriculture
The severe storms and flooding have not only damaged crops but also disrupted agricultural activities in the affected regions. The flooding has made it difficult for farmers to reach their fields, and the damage to crops has raised concerns about food security and the economic impact on the agricultural sector.
Government Response and Support
The Austrian government has pledged to provide support to the affected farmers and communities. The government has announced plans to provide aid to farmers who have suffered losses due to the severe weather conditions. The exact nature and extent of the support are still being finalized, but it is clear that the government is committed to helping those affected by the disaster.
Long-Term Consequences
The severe storms and flooding in Austria have highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural practices and flood mitigation measures. The long-term consequences of this disaster will likely include changes to agricultural policies and practices, as well as investments in flood protection infrastructure.
Conclusion
The severe storms and flooding in Austria have caused extensive damage to crops, disrupting agricultural activities and raising concerns about food security and the economy. As the affected regions struggle to recover, the government has pledged to provide support to farmers and communities. The long-term consequences of this disaster will likely lead to changes in agricultural policies and practices, as well as investments in flood protection infrastructure.
Keyword List
Severe storms
Flooding
Crop damage
Agriculture
Austria
Lower Austria
Styria
Hail insurance
Food security
Economic impact
Government response
Sustainable agriculture
Flood mitigation
Disaster relief
