While you can not compare it with the hazardous situations as a result of the hurricanes at the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, some Dutch residents were pretty surprised when a severe landspout hit the Westland region yesterday afternoon. Aside from a lot of damage to houses and vehicles, about 20 greenhouse companies in the region of 's-Gravenzande reported damage. Some of it can be repaired, for others it looks like the season has come to an end.
These pictures made by local photographer Fred van der Ende gives an impression of the power of the storm. A local eggplant grower's greenhouse is completely devastated.
Photo courtesy of Fred v/d Ende
Photo courtesy of Fred v/d Ende
Photo courtesy of Fred v/d Ende
About 12 to 13 companies reported severe damage. Local greenhouse repair and maintenance company AVS Westland is receiving many phone calls this morning to replace broken windows. At one of the companies he made the following video:
Lily farm
A lily farm in the Westland has been damaged by the storm, as one can see in this video posted on Facebook by the company. The plants are covered with broken glass and the rain trickles inside the greenhouse. On Socal Media more videos have been posted on damaged roofs and broken glass between the crop.
Divine Flowers (bron: Facebook @DivineFlowers)
Plant grower
Another grower that was hit hard is plant grower Aris Koning. He told a Dutch broadcast channel (Omroep West) that he was working in the greenhouse when the the landspout hit the greenhouse. He is not sure about the damage, but it will probably take a while to repair it. Fortunately, no one in the greenhouse was hurt.
Inventarisatie
Insurance company Interpolis is currently investigating the damage. A helicopter of the insurance company flew over the companies affected this morning.