Tyrol records Austria’s lowest drought impact despite 45 million euro losses

Tyrol is the Austrian state least affected by the drought, although losses in agriculture have reached 45 million euros, ORF reported Monday. The state has recorded the smallest rainfall deficit in Austria.

Kurt Weinberger, director of the Austrian Hail Insurance company, described the situation facing Austrian agriculture as a “drought catastrophe” at a press conference in Vienna. The insurer estimates that drought-related losses across Austria have so far reached 1 billion euros.

The losses are linked to failed harvests of maize, potatoes, sugar beet, pumpkins and soybeans, as well as grain in some regions. Tyrol has fared comparatively well because it has received the most rainfall.

In Tyrol, frost damage has caused a further 3 million euros in losses this year, while hail, storms and flooding have so far caused another 1 million euros in damage, according to the insurer.

Water shortages are nevertheless causing problems in the state. Farmland can still be irrigated sufficiently, but some livestock on alpine pastures is becoming difficult to maintain because the animals can no longer find enough drinking water.

Forecasts show no substantial rainfall for Tyrol in the coming days.