Potato producers in Famagusta are worried, as powerful storms hitting the region since Monday night have flooded many fields from Paralimni to Kokkinochoria.
Andreas Karyos, spokesperson for the potato producers, told philenews that the extent of the damage will become clear in the coming days, but it is estimated to exceed 40%.
“There are flooded fields with potato crops in Avgorou, Sotira, Frenaros, Liopetri, Dasaki Achnas, Deryneia, Paralimni, and Xylafagou, which suffered damage last week due to hailstorms. From our experience, we believe that there will be significant damage to the flooded crops, but it will become evident in about 20 days.”
Mr. Karyos stated that as soon as the damage becomes apparent, officials from the Department of Agriculture will rush to the scene.
“When such intense weather events occur, we inform officials from the Department of Agriculture, who visit the areas. However, an announcement for Damage Declarations will be made when officials manage to enter the flooded potato fields and see that there is damage exceeding 30%.”
In Paralimni, a greenhouse with tomatoes and cucumbers was destroyed by a tornado, while damage was caused to solar water heaters and water tanks.