Storm Bernard struck Morocco over the weekend, unleashing powerful sand-laden winds that reached speeds of up to 106 km/h in certain areas along the Atlantic coast. The agricultural sector bore the brunt of the destruction, according to the African edition of the Global Fresh Plaza, a media platform outlet specialized in market developments and trends.
Severe damage to crops, trees, and greenhouses were recorded in Northern Morocco. Larache, a key region for Morocco’s soft fruit, avocado, and other fruit production, suffered perhaps the most substantial blow.
Abdellah El Yamlahi, an avocado producer from Larache and president of the Moroccan Avocado Association, detailed the extent of the devastation: “The storm was surprising. The damage in terms of crop losses and damage to trees is important. All avocado-producing regions are affected, from Loukkous to Gharb.”
Baioua Oussama, a soft fruit grower in the same region, emphasized the severity of the situation, saying, “The area from Larache to Moulay Bousselhem has been profoundly affected. Many growers have lost everything, especially in arboriculture and soft fruit.”
He added, “The winds tore up the trees, carried away the crops, and covered the soft fruit areas with sand. Soft fruits are sensitive, so the damage is irreparable.”
The same grower further noted that the damage to equipment was substantial–with many trees damaged or destroyed–adding that the winds have blown away greenhouses, which will need to be reconstructed.