Spain unites in massive aid effort after devastating floods

The floods in Valencia are being described as one of Spain’s worst disasters in the past century, according to military personnel deployed in the region.

So far, the death toll stands at 223, with 17 people still missing. The situation remains dire for thousands of families who have lost everything.

In response to the crisis, people across Spain have come together to help. A massive wave of solidarity is sweeping into the flood-stricken towns. Every day, dozens of trucks and vans arrive from all parts of the country, delivering food, essential supplies, and cleaning products to support those affected.

How do young people organise themselves to send aid?

The response has been so overwhelming that some city councils had to ask citizens to pause donations, as managing the sheer volume of aid has become unmanageable.

Jordi Sarrión, originally from Valencia but now living in Salamanca, has rallied friends and neighbours to give as much as possible. He has personally taken on the task of purchasing masks, gloves, sanitising gels, and cleaning supplies.

“I started organising myself and reaching out to others who were also coordinating aid,” he told Euronews. At just 27 years old, Jordi is part of a wave of young people showing solidarity. Many, like him, have effectively used social media to coordinate and transport donations to Valencia.

“We organise through Instagram and other social networks, where we constantly update what items are needed,” Jordi explains.

It’s through these platforms that he and many others have managed to bring out the best in society. “I feel much more at ease now, seeing all the volunteers and the solidarity networks being formed,” he says with relief.

These networks have spread “not only across Spain but also throughout parts of Europe,” Jordi adds. He believes this highlights “the most positive side of the continent and the European Union itself: the solidarity between different communities.”

Food banks coordinate thousands of donations

Alongside donations from individuals, food banks across Spain have opened up their entire premises to support families impacted by the disaster. Warehouses nationwide are now stocked with food supplies for the victims.

“Due to the severity of the storm, known as DANA, which has shocked the whole country, countless people and companies have stepped up with donations,” explained Elena Doria, head of communications at the Food Bank, in an interview with Euronews. She stressed the importance of coordinating with these centres to prevent chaos and ensure aid reaches those in need effectively.

Food banks are storing all donations and sending them to Valencia gradually, only when needed, to avoid overwhelming the flood-stricken villages. Most of these areas lack the capacity to store large quantities of supplies.

To manage this complex logistics operation, the organisation urgently needs more volunteers. “This is more crucial now than ever,” organisers say.

Alfonso Rodríguez, who has been volunteering since his retirement, explains his role: “I help distribute, organise, and sort food, which is then sent to the charities delivering it to families.” He acknowledges the pressing need for additional volunteers, particularly to help collect donations in shopping centres.

Anyone can send products to their local Food Bank, but the organisation also holds collection drives at supermarkets. The next collection will take place on 22, 23, and 24 November, and they are currently seeking volunteers to support the campaign.

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“When volunteers are present in stores, the amount of donations doubles,” explains Elena Doria. Those interested in helping can register on the Food Bank’s website.

Doria describes donations during this time as “double solidarity,” as they are not only supporting families in poverty who regularly rely on these contributions, but also the thousands of people who have lost everything due to the floods.