An outpouring of community support has surged through the southern districts of Valencia, where hundreds of volunteers armed with tools, water, and supplies have assembled to provide vital assistance to areas devastated by the recent DANA storm.
From early Friday morning, scores of residents rallied along the Bulevar Sur, moving towards the neighbourhoods most severely impacted by the floods. Their mission: to bring relief to those struggling amidst debris, mud, and destroyed homes.
Many volunteers arrived on foot or by bike, while others parked vehicles at designated areas before proceeding to the disaster zone on foot, undeterred by the challenges of access. Even local police have permitted this exceptional humanitarian effort as volunteers, carrying shovels, buckets, and cleaning supplies, head towards the affected areas across the river’s new course.
Addressing urgent needs
The residents of Paiporta and nearby towns, some of the hardest hit, have been sharing their urgent needs through social media. The lack of clean water, hygiene facilities, and waste management are among the most pressing issues, with overflowing rubbish piling up in the streets. “If there are any teams coming to Paiporta, please bring wheelbarrows,” read one message. “We need to clear away waste, and trucks can’t get through. It’s turning into a public health issue without basic hygiene or access to water for three days now.”
Critical need for portable generators
Paiporta’s mayor also highlighted the critical need for portable generators to power essential services and aid recovery. Local authorities, while deeply appreciative of the community’s help, have urged volunteers not to bring vehicles into the area. By mid-morning, emergency services stressed that congested roads were impeding response teams and ambulances from reaching those in critical need. “Please avoid using vehicles in affected areas so we can keep access clear for emergency teams,” stated Valencia’s Emergency Services.
Farmers join the relief effort
Support has also come from the agricultural sector. The Unió Llauradora i Ramadera (Union of Farmers and Ranchers) stepped forward with tractors and ploughs to aid recovery operations. Farmers and their equipment have been clearing mud and debris and even helping to move vehicles blocking access routes.
How to help?
Various organisations are mobilising support for those devastated by the recent DANA storm in Valencia, which has left over a hundred dead, thousands awaiting rescue, and entire towns isolated without water, electricity, or essential supplies. As supermarkets face shortages, immediate help is needed.
How to Help: Key Initiatives
- Red Cross: Donations are encouraged via the Red Cross website, phone (900 104 971), Bizum (33512), or by texting “AYUDA” to 38092 to donate €6. Alongside emergency services, the Red Cross is helping with evacuations, setting up shelters, and supporting recovery efforts in affected homes.
- Food Bank Collection at Mestalla Stadium: Valencia CF’s Mestalla Stadium is hosting a collection point for essential items. Volunteers from Valencia’s Food Bank will accept donations from 5.00 pm at the stadium entrance on Avenida de Aragón.
This list of support initiatives will expand in the coming days as more resources are mobilised to address the crisis.
Avoid travelling by car to affected areas
The Valencian Community’s Emergency Coordination Centre has requested that the public avoid travelling by car to assist areas affected by the recent DANA storm. In a social media statement, officials explained that access roads are becoming congested, creating traffic jams that are hindering emergency services from reaching those in need.
They emphasised the importance of keeping routes clear to allow emergency teams to operate efficiently, thanking the public for their cooperation and solidarity in this challenging time
‼️Por favor, no os desplacéis con vehículos ni siquiera para acudir a ayudar a las zonas afectadas por la #DANA.
Se están produciendo retenciones, se están colapsando las vías de acceso y los servicios de emergencias están teniendo problemas para poder hacer su trabajo.
Gracias…
— Emergències 112CV (@GVA112) November 1, 2024
Also read: Sánchez declares disaster zone in DANA-affected regions