Severe flooding in southeastern Spain, triggered by heavy rainfall since October 29, has mobilized both official rescue efforts and an outpouring of support from around 50,000 volunteers, as the affected regions have begun the long process of recovery.
As of Thursday, floods caused by continuous rains in regions, including Valencia, had killed at least 219 people, with 93 still reported missing.
The disaster has been identified by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as the second-deadliest flood event in Europe this century.
According to statistics from the Spanish government, around 50,000 volunteers spontaneously rushed to various disaster-hit areas in Valencia, within just a few days after the disaster struck. Some traveled on foot, some by bike, and many used their vacation time to drive to the affected areas, bringing urgently needed supplies.
"People here have gone through incredibly difficult times. The floodwaters were very high. Many people lost their vehicles and their families," said Angela, one of the volunteers.
In the past few days, Jorge, a volunteer, spent some two hours walking from the center of Valencia to the disaster-hit area every day. He mainly helps elderly residents by delivering supplies to their doorsteps.
"Elderly people, old people, they need help. So, basically we are from Valencia, everyone here in Spain is really familiar. We are really worried about each other. And when you are staying home, you have this feeling that you need to go outside and help," said Jorge.
"I'm helping clean the high school because we want to go again to the classes," said Malisa, a senior school student.
As more aid and reconstruction efforts advance, the issues of water and electricity supply in the affected areas have been largely resolved, but the damage caused by the flooding remains staggering.
Official statistics show that the economic losses from this flood have exceeded 10 billion euros. The reconstruction efforts are placing enormous financial pressure on the Spanish government. Local authorities have stated that they will provide subsidies and tax relief measures to help the disaster-stricken regions recover as soon as possible.
Relief efforts in full swing to deal with flooding aftermath in Spain
Relief efforts in full swing to deal with flooding aftermath in Spain
