A powerful hailstorm struck the central area of Ribera d'Ebre on Monday afternoon, leaving behind significant material damage in Móra d'Ebre and Móra la Nova. Hailstones up to 10 centimetres in diameter pummelled homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, with fibrocement roofs left riddled with holes, solar panels shattered, and cars dented or with broken windscreens.
Widespread Damage to Infrastructure
The industrial warehouse of Comercial Llauradó in Móra la Nova sustained severe damage, its main roof perforated by dozens of impacts allowing sunlight to stream through. Nearby vehicles and structures also suffered from the intense storm.
In Móra d'Ebre, the comarcal capital currently hosting its annual festival, rainfall reached 27 litres per square metre, peaking at around 40 litres in some areas, accompanied by hailstones measuring up to 8 centimetres. The town’s bus station suffered broken glass in its glazed pergola, while windows at the municipal sports centre were also damaged.
I’ve seen vehicles damaged with front and rear windscreens smashed, dents across their entire metal surfaces, Uralita roofs completely holed, skylights destroyed, and double-layered photovoltaic solar panels fully broken.
Rubén Biarnés, mayor of Móra d'Ebre, described the aftermath as extensive, noting visible destruction to urban furniture, municipal paths, vegetation, and trees. He confirmed that the town hall is compiling a full assessment of damages to both public assets and private properties.
Limited Agricultural Impact
Despite initial concerns, the grape harvest in Terra Alta and Priorat was largely spared. Unió de Pagesos reported no significant crop damage in Batea, attributing the limited impact to the storm’s short duration and the fact that hail fell mixed with rain.
According to the DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant regulatory bodies, only about 5% of remaining grapes were affected in Falset, Marçà, Capçanes, and around the Guiamets reservoir. Pilar Just, president of DO Montsant, noted that only directly impacted berries were damaged, not entire clusters. She added that the rainfall could benefit late-maturing black grape varieties by aiding swelling.
Jaume Balaguer, president of DOQ Priorat, echoed this view, stating that losses were minimal and unlikely to disrupt the overall harvest.
Support Measures Under Review
Mayor Biarnés announced that Móra d'Ebre town council will provide all possible support to residents, particularly in navigating insurance claims. He has formally requested that the Generalitat de Catalunya establish a special financial aid programme for affected households and businesses.
Reported by reusdigital.cat, Redacción COPE Barcelona, Redacció Imagina Ràdio, diaridetarragona.com, territorirural.cat, uniopagesos.cat, canal21ebre.com, Administrador Web.
