Post-disaster relief and reconstruction efforts are underway in the Valencian region of Spain after the region was devastated by deadly flash floods triggered by unrelenting rainfall over the past few days.
The death toll has now soared to 205 from the initial 12 on Wednesday, with 202 fatalities reported in the region of Valencia, two in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Andalusia, according to the Center for Coordinated and Integrated Operations
A school in Requena, a small town less affected by the disaster thanks to its high elevation, has been converted into a temporary shelter for the displaced from nearby towns, with medical equipment provided to help people afflicted by floods.
The disrupted telecommunication service in the aftermath of the floods has made the relief efforts more difficult, according to Rocio, town mayor of Requena.
"Many people have relatives in the towns around Valencia. And they don't know what's going on with their families because we can't get in touch with anyone there. There's no internet or phone. Some areas are very far from the center of the town, which also makes our rescue work very difficult," said Rocio.
Despite the tough rescue and relief work, some of the swamped streets have been now cleaned up.
The Spanish government has mobilized vehicles to take some of the affected residents back to their homes from the shelter.
Some towns near Requena were severely damaged by the floods, with homes, shops, and restaurants washed away.
According to the report released by local authorities, railway lines in Valencia have been completely destroyed, while many roads and bridges in the region have been demolished, making the post-disaster reconstruction harder.
Residents in the Valencian region, with the help of the local government, are now stepping up efforts to clean up the roads covered by silt.
"This is the situation now. My house has no gas, and we have no water. Now there is no gas at home. We can only tide over the difficulties with our neighbors. Everyone unites and helps each other, and this is the only way we can deal with it," said Marta, a victim of the floods.
In addition, volunteers from all over the country rushed to the region, helping local residents with the cleanup.
"We usually get up at 7 o'clock, and when everyone comes out of the hotel at 8 o 'clock, we start to work. Volunteers disperse from here, and everyone can't stop. We have to go somewhere else to help at any time, and I know there's a lot of work to be done," said Jose, a volunteer.
Post-disaster relief, reconstruction efforts underway in flood-hit Spain
Post-disaster relief, reconstruction efforts underway in flood-hit Spain
