Citrus farmers in South Africa's Eastern Cape are preparing for heavy rains forecast for later this week while still recovering from severe floods last month.
Farmers in the Gamtoos River Valley face risks to their crops from a level five warning issued by the South African Weather Service. The alert covers destructive rain expected between Wednesday and Friday in areas including Kouga, Koukamma Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
The sector is still dealing with damage from May floods that submerged orchards and destroyed infrastructure. Losses for the citrus crop are estimated at 20 to 25 percent, or R600 million in income for this season, according to Agri Gamtoos vice chairperson Grewar Oosthuizen. Some vegetable farmers reported losses of up to 80 percent.
Farmers are rushing to harvest fruit and clear debris ahead of the new rains. Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe advised communities in low-lying areas to move livestock to safety. Kouga Municipality Mayor Hattingh Bornman said crews are working to clear storm water drains and roads to reduce flood risks.
