Móra d'Ebre and Móra la Nova: Roofs, solar panels, and cars damaged by the hailstorm with 10 cm stones
Monday's hailstorm in Ribera d'Ebre caused visible damage to roofs, solar panels, and cars, with hailstones nearly 10 centimeters in size. Despite this, the vineyards escaped with minimal damage, especially in Terra Alta and Priorat, where the harvest is already underway and the precipitation was brief and watery.
The residents and town councils of Móra d'Ebre and Móra la Nova are still assessing the damage caused by this unexpected storm that left clear marks on the urban landscape and crops.
Visible damage in Ribera d'Ebre: what exactly happened?
How were the infrastructures and vehicles affected?
The fiber cement roofs, especially at the Comercial Llauradó warehouse in Móra la Nova, were full of holes that let light through. Windows of buildings, skylights, and the glass of the pergola at the bus station in Móra d'Ebre also broke. Cars suffered broken windshields and dents on roofs and bodywork, a sight that did not go unnoticed.
How serious is the damage to the solar panels?
The photovoltaic solar panels, especially those installed in municipal spaces, were fairly damaged by the hail. The destruction was so visible that Mayor Rubén Biarnés highlighted that some double panels have completely broken, which could affect local energy generation for months.
The vineyard and crops: why were they spared despite the storm?
How does hail affect the local vineyard?
The agricultural sector was awaiting the effects on the vineyards, but the combination of hail with water and the short duration of the hailstorm prevented significant damage. In Terra Alta, the phenomenon caused no notable impact, while in Priorat it is estimated that only about 5% of the grapes yet to be harvested were affected.
What are the producers’ prospects after the storm?
Despite the initial impact, the president of the DO Montsant and the president of the DOQ Priorat believe that the precipitation may even be beneficial, helping to swell the berries of the black grape varieties still maturing, which could improve this year’s harvest.
Municipal response and aid to residents: what is being done?
How is the Móra d’Ebre Town Council acting?
The council has begun assessing damages and gathering information both from municipal teams and affected residents. The mayor has assured that they will deploy all means to help, especially in managing insurance, and has called on the Government for a special aid line to mitigate the effects of the hailstorm.
What are the main demands of the affected population?
The population expects assistance in repairing roofs, windows, and vehicles, as well as aid to restore the functionality of the solar panels. Concern over the economic cost and the speed of aid is palpable among residents, who trust the municipal and regional responses to overcome this situation.
| Type of damage | Main location | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber cement roofs | Móra la Nova (Comercial Llauradó) | Large and multiple holes |
| Windows and skylights | Móra d'Ebre (Sports center and bus station) | Broken glass |
| Photovoltaic solar panels | Municipal spaces in Ribera d’Ebre | Damaged, some broken |
| Vehicles | Entire affected area | Broken windshields and dents |
| Vineyards | Terra Alta and Priorat | 5% affected in Priorat, almost none in Terra Alta |
Source of the article: Jordi Marsal / Catalan News Agency
