Persistent storms and heavy rain take their toll on agriculture and wildlife

After storms Eowyn and Herminia, storm Ivo is now approaching Belgium. This afternoon, the latest storm system will bring extensive cloud cover and rain. By tonight, Ivo will be positioned over the Bay of Biscay, with its associated rain belt moving across the country. As well as affecting daily life, the prolonged wet weather poses significant challenges for agriculture and wildlife.
In Haspengouw, Belgium's main fruit-growing region, persistent rain has saturated the soil and flooded orchards. Fruit growers are hoping for drier weather to prevent tree loss, which was a major problem last year.
Access to the fields is becoming increasingly difficult, with some days seeing 20 to 30 litres of rain per square metre. This is a challenge not only for orchardists, but also for farmers as waterlogged soils make it difficult to get vehicles onto the land.
Farmers and contractors are also facing delays. Fertilisation, which is normally allowed from 15 February, is unlikely to take place as planned due to the wet conditions. Meanwhile, slurry stores are nearing capacity, adding to the pressure on farms.
These birds arrive for various reasons, but all of them are related to the wet weather, which makes it difficult to find food
Wildlife is also struggling. The Wildlife Rescue Centre in Oudsbergen has received at least 25 buzzards in less than a month. "These birds arrive for various reasons, but all of them are related to the wet weather, which makes it difficult to find food," Frederik Thoelen of the centre told VRT NWS.
The persistent rain makes it harder for birds of prey to find mice and other prey. That's why buzzards often look for food along roadsides, which increases their risk of being hit by vehicles.
It remains uncertain whether the influx of buzzards to the rescue centre will continue in the coming months. "At the moment, prey is scarce and harder to find," explains Thoelen. "There are usually more young mice, rabbits and hares in the spring, but a lot depends on the weather in the coming weeks."
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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