Severe weather impacts agriculture and infrastructure in Chile and Argentina

Unpredictable weather patterns, including heavy rains, wind, and hail, are causing significant agricultural and structural damage across parts of South America.

In the Limarí province of Chile, unexpected October rains and wind gusts have disrupted fruit flowering, particularly affecting grapevines and peach trees in El Palqui. In Río Hurtado, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed damage to alfalfa and walnut crops. Farmers report increased costs for protecting vegetables and uncertainty regarding new plantings due to irrigation difficulties.

In the northern Patagonia region of Argentina, a severe hailstorm caused extensive losses in Valle Azul, specifically destroying Packham’s pear crops that lacked anti-hail netting. Additionally, strong winds in Choele Choel caused structural damage, including blown-off roofs and collapsed walls, and resulted in one injury after a tree fell on a person.