In Valencia, solidarity is swelling as the community grapples with the aftermath of catastrophic floods that have claimed over 200 lives, with many still unaccounted for. A museum in the city center has become a hub for volunteers, where large crowds are lining up to gather supplies—buckets, mops, food, and water—before heading to the hardest-hit areas.
Organizers reported that approximately 15,000 people showed up for the first coordinated clean-up effort, highlighting a perceived gap left by the authorities. Sixteen-year-old Pedro Francisco, waiting with his parents for four hours, expressed his desire to help, sharing the tragedy of a friend’s grandfather who died in the floods, leaving his friend unable to retrieve the body.
“We have to do whatever we can,” Pedro stated, reflecting on the devastating situation. Another volunteer, Oscar Martinez, voiced his frustration: “I feel anger. This was an avoidable tragedy. All the regional government needed to do was warn us about the floods in advance.”
Anger has become a unifying sentiment in Valencia and surrounding areas where most fatalities occurred, with the toll expected to rise. Heavy rains that began on Monday caused severe flooding, destroying infrastructure, isolating communities, and depriving residents of essential services like water and electricity.
Security and emergency services are actively working to clear mud and debris while searching for victims, as the Spanish government refers to this disaster as the second deadliest flood in Europe’s history. Amparo Esteve shared her harrowing experience, saying, “I was at home for three days with no light, no water, no phones, nothing.”
Her remarks echoed a common sentiment of neglect: “No one is helping us.” Now staying with her grandparents due to fears of looters, Amparo feels lost in the devastation.
Shop owner Emilia, 74, lamented the situation in Picanya, a Valencia suburb. “We feel abandoned; there are many people who need help,” she told Reuters, explaining how locals are forced to discard most household items due to flood damage.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced an increase in security forces to aid relief efforts. He revealed plans to deploy an additional 5,000 troops on top of the existing 2,500, marking it as the largest peacetime mobilization of the armed forces in Spain.
Sánchez stated that 4,800 rescues had been performed and 30,000 people assisted. However, criticism has emerged regarding the adequacy of pre-flood warning systems. “I am aware the response is not enough… we have to improve,” he conceded, addressing the widespread infrastructure damage and the desperate search for missing relatives.
Credit: BBC News
