The train of storms floods the breeding of fighting bulls and threatens the first fairs: "The situation is dramatic"
Severe storms have flooded bull breeding areas in Spain, leading to catastrophic conditions for farmers.
Recent intense storm systems, nicknamed 'the train of storms', have wreaked havoc in Spain, especially in the bull breeding regions of Baja Andalucía. The rainfall recorded in early February tripled the normal levels, leading to unprecedented flooding. This catastrophic weather has severely impacted agricultural operations and raised alarms about the potential extinction of the fighting bull breed as farmers struggle to cope with these extreme conditions.
The overflow of rivers has resulted in saturated fields and isolated towns, causing extensive damage to infrastructure such as roads, with 179 reported blocked. Evacuations were necessary for thousands of residents as they faced the destructive force of the storms, further underscoring the severity of the situation. The implications of these disasters extend beyond immediate property damage; they threaten the very viability of traditional livestock farming in the region, which is pivotal for local culture and economy.
With agriculture already facing challenges from drought, the combination of excessive rainfall raises questions about future farming strategies and the resilience of the local ecosystem. The situation is described as 'dramatic' by those in the industry, leading to concerns about the upcoming fairs that celebrate bull fighting and culture, which may not proceed if conditions do not improve. These events are not only significant for breeders but also for broader cultural traditions within Spain.