Two months ago, the Spanish region of Valencia faced an extraordinary natural disaster. Torrential rains unleashed the fury of the barranco del Poyo, leaving destruction in their wake. Today, Valencia’s ground zero – the affected towns Paiporta, Catarroja, and Benetússer among others – are grappling with the enormity of recovery.
Streets once bustling with life now resemble scenes from a post-war landscape, marked by mud, broken infrastructure, and a community determined to rebuild. The sewer smell that dominates large parts of Valencia is still unavoidable.
Valencia’s ground zero: a heavily changed landscape
The Paseo de la Primavera in Paiporta was once a vibrant boulevard, but stands now as a stark reminder of the storm’s wrath. In the former place of leisure, its green spaces are buried under layers of mud, and its homes bear scars of water’s destructive power. Excavators and military personnel dominate the scene. A group of soldiers is helping a Chinese citizen unload new merchandise in his bazaar. “Very bad, very bad, water up to the ceiling…” is the little that the shopkeeper can say when asked by the soldiers about what that October 29th was like.
Meanwhile, neighbours walk with shopping carts along paths cleared of debris. The normalcy of cars heading to local supermarkets has been replaced by the slow march of reconstruction.
Further along, the Avenida Rey Jaume I in Catarroja tells a similar tale. Mountains of twisted metal—vehicles rendered useless by the flood—tower like sombre monuments to the disaster. Red marks on salvaged cars hint at faint hopes of recovery, while nearby, locals avoid meeting the sight of the wreckage as they go about their lives.
Resilience amidst ruin
Amid despair, glimmers of resilience shine through. A makeshift Christmas tree—crafted from bleach bottles, beer cans, and mops—stands on Paiporta’s Calle Ramón y Cajal, a symbol of defiance and unity. Messages of encouragement, sent from schools across Spain, adorn walls and lampposts, reminding residents that they are not alone.
The practical challenges for the people in Valencia’s ground zero are immense. Many homes remain without power, and temporary generators and antennas have been installed to restore connectivity. Streets without functioning traffic lights are managed by military police and warnings about exposed electrical cables and unstable structures abound. Yet, amidst this adversity, community life pushes forward. A bakery on Avenida Jaume I was among the first to reopen, as a beacon of normalcy in a neighbourhood still struggling with basic necessities.
A community rebuilding
The military’s presence has been pivotal. Soldiers from the UME (Military Emergency Unit) tirelessly assist in clearing debris, distributing supplies, and supporting local residents. On Doctor Cajal Street, children smile at the sparkle of sunlight reflecting off the improvised Christmas decorations. Despite the hardship, life continues to emerge from the rubble.
Residents’ stories reveal the depth of the struggle. A dentist’s office with shattered windows stands abandoned, its robotic arm eerily reaching out to the street. Families salvage what they can, hoping for government aid to materialise. Volunteers and neighbours unite to repair homes, share meals, and keep spirits alive.
Tribute to the fallen and volunteers
This morning, the Puente de la Solidaridad in La Torre became a focal point for remembrance and gratitude. Hundreds of residents and volunteers gathered to honour the 14 lives lost during the Dana disaster. The emotional ceremony included a minute of silence, followed by applause, poetry readings, and a floral offering. The organisers unveiled a new plaque, unofficially naming the bridge as the ‘Puente de la Solidaridad,’ to commemorate the unity and efforts of those who have supported recovery efforts.
Norman Ortells, a representative of the La Torre neighbourhood association, expressed frustration over the lack of government aid and highlighted the reliance on volunteers and donations. While the event paid tribute to those who have helped rebuild, it also served as a reminder of the challenges still faced by the affected communities.
Manifestation for accountability
Today, Valencia will witness its third major demonstration demanding political accountability for the management of the Dana disaster. Organised by Intersindical Valenciana and supported by over 200 entities, the protest honours local farmers who abandoned their fields to assist in recovery efforts. Starting at 6.00 pm in Plaza de San Agustín, the march will proceed through Xàtiva, Colón, and Navarro Reverter, ending at Plaza América. Farmers with tractors will lead the way, symbolising their vital role in clearing mud and debris.
Protesters aim to highlight unresolved issues, including delayed aid, uncleaned streets, and insufficient government support while calling for the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón.
Also read: Court dismisses legal actions against Mazón over DANA management