Local residents in the town of Utiel in Spain's Valencia region are helping each other to rebuild their homes amid the mud and debris left by the recent devastating floods.
Together, they sweep the streets, clear out shops, and repair damaged homes, contributing to their community's slow but determined recovery.
The region has just experienced its worst flooding in decades due to unrelenting rainfall.
In a televised address on Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called this flood the second deadliest in Europe this century. As of Sunday, the tragic toll of fatalities had increased to 217, with many still missing.
The Valencian Community is located in the southeast of Spain, with its capital Valencia being the third largest city in Spain, the second largest seaport, and also known as the "Pearl of the Western Mediterranean Coast".
The disaster has caused multiple rivers to overflow, flooding streets in many cities, with many highways closed and numerous orchards and farmlands affected.
The region's key economic pillars of manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture have been affected to varying extents.
Manuel Munoz, 59, had never left the town of Utiel in his entire life. Both of his cars and farmland were completely destroyed by the floodwaters, but fortunately, he and his family were safe as they live on the third floor. He recalled the chaos when the flood struck.
"The rain began around six o'clock in the early morning, which was completely different from the usual rain here. Normally, the rain is scarce and gentle, but that day it was a wild downpour with strong winds. It felt like water was being thrown at us continuously. The rain just wouldn't stop, it was so terrifying," said Munoz.
Xu, in Spain for almost 20 years, has run a supermarket in Utiel for three years. During the flood, she and her husband sought safety atop the shelves for over 10 hours as the waters surged. Xu said they lost about 350,000 euros due to the flood.
Many local residents have voluntarily come here to help Xu with the cleanup in order to help her reopen as soon as possible.
"We came here voluntarily to help, clearing up these hooks so they can be hung back on the shelves. We're doing what we can because they are very kind. We like them and hope they can recover and reopen the shop soon," said Pilar, a local resident.
According to the Sunday forecast of Spain's State Meteorological Agency, heavy rains were expected in Alicante and Altea, progressing northward and impacting the entire coastline and pre-coastal areas. National and local governments have taken precautionary measures. Prime Minister Sanchez on Saturday ordered 10,000 more troops, police officers and civil guards to the impacted area.
Residents rebuild homes after devastating floods hit Spain
Residents rebuild homes after devastating floods hit Spain
Residents rebuild homes after devastating floods hit Spain
Residents rebuild homes after devastating floods hit Spain
