PaiportaHelp instead of oblivion. Support and affection instead of helplessness. Brooms and shovels for cleaning instead of the reeds that the Poio ravine carried and which many inhabitants used to escape the devastation that ravaged their homes. The municipalities of the Valencian region of L’Horta Sud received this Friday a historic demonstration of solidarity. Thousands of people crossed the Turia River to show that the inhabitants of the places affected by the worst storm in the century in the state are not alone. They said it without words, but with facts. They know that it will take months, perhaps years, to recover, and that the memory of the victims will be a wound that will never heal completely, but that the catastrophe was collective and that only mutual help will allow them to overcome the situation
Along the road, in the middle of the road, along the edges of cultivated fields… On foot, by motorbike, by bicycle, by scooter or by car. Neighbors from Valencia like Eugenia, Antonio, Xavi, Gonzalo, Carolina, Isabel or Carlos or from distant cities like Castalla – 117 kilometers away – like Ramón or José. Organize via WhatsApp or Telegram groups or via Facebook or Instagram pages. People who speak Valencian, Spanish or Arabic. Nurses, students or telecommunications engineers. It’s worth it. A chaos as diverse as the current Valencian society, which had no doubts about where it wanted to go.
Unlike those who left home just 72 hours ago, those making the reverse journey today have their hands full. They carry brooms, shovels, buckets and brooms. They are loaded with backpacks full of basic things like rice, oil, sugar or water. Although the images of the thousands of volunteers resonated throughout the day, strangely none of them had a cell phone in their hand or took photos. They walk down the street accompanied by the soundtrack of the crowd: the screams. A din multiplied by police sirens, ambulances, emergency services and military helicopters. A tumult radically opposed to the silence that reigned the day after the catastrophe, when the ARA traveled those same 3.6 kilometres. An amazement that has now transformed into determination, into movement. In action like that of Eugenia. “I haven’t heard from a friend since Tuesday. She’s 54 years old and lives in Alfafar. I know, they say you can’t go there, but I can’t stay at home anymore, I’m going to look for her”, he summarizes.
Nor did Ramón think much about it, as he finds himself in a traffic jam next to his yellow Suzuki Jimmy off-road vehicle. He is accompanied by his brother José. Both were part of an expedition consisting of eight 4x4s and two trucks. They come from the Alcoià area, more than one hundred kilometers away. “We saw that help was needed and since I have the equipment to tow vehicles, we came. We brought food for the animals which we gave to Torrent and water and clothes which we left in Paiporta. Now there was said that Benetússer needs people and that’s where we’re going,” he explains.
We arrive at the gates of Paiporta and notice that, albeit very little by little, the situation is improving. There are still hundreds of cars overturned on the pavements, but fewer than on Wednesday. There is also less mud and standing water. While the emergency services search for victims, the cleanup is up to the citizens. Above all, that of sidewalks and secondary roads. We check it by approaching a group of ten people. They’ve been scraping dirt off the garage door all day. Only the vehicles blocking the entrance remain. Among them is Isabel, who did not hesitate to take advantage of the most tragic All Saints’ Day celebration in the recent history of the Valencian Region to lend a hand to her friends Pedro and Javi, neighbors. she is angry “Today, three days later, the army arrives. The people have not received the help they deserve. It was disastrous management”, she complains.
Self-management of catastrophe
Fifty meters ahead we observe how some neighbors organize themselves to tow their cars from a garage. It’s dangerous work, but in catastrophe self-management reigns. Those who have no time to contemplate the scene are Gonzalo and Xavi, two volunteers who fill the baskets with mud. Their clothes, completely dirty, show that they worked hard. Israel, a professor from the University of Valencia, came to the rescue and was celebrating that the institution canceled classes on the day of the storm. “At midday they also sent the administrative staff home. I went to pick up my son from school and we locked ourselves in the house,” he recalls.
Esther, a neighbor in the same building, is also shocked. He is clear about the management of the Generalitat: “We are abandoned”, he underlines. And to give an example, he shows us the bottles of water that his friends have brought on foot and thanks to which they can drink or wash themselves. The six-year-old daughter and two friends playing on the landing interrupt the conversation. How are they? “We invent games. We try not to make them aware of what happened”, explains the woman. It’s natural, because the brother-in-law’s car was overwhelmed by the water with him on board. The situation was so desperate that he said goodbye to his cell phone forever.
We return to Valencia nestled in a crowded caravan. A crowd of people armed with brooms and shovels. Some do not say goodbye, but “see you tomorrow”, a sign that solidarity continues.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Disaster Response Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve deep into the pressing issues of our time. Today, I’m thrilled to have Dr. Elena Torres, a disaster response expert with over a decade of experience in humanitarian aid and community recovery efforts. Elena, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here and discuss such a relevant topic.
Editor: We recently covered a heart-wrenching story from the Valencian region of L’Horta Sud, where a devastating storm left many residents in dire need. Thousands of volunteers came together to help those affected. What strikes you as most significant about this collective response?
Dr. Torres: What stands out to me is the sheer scale and unity of the community. The article highlighted how individuals from various backgrounds—different professions, languages, and even distant cities—came together without hesitation. This kind of spontaneous solidarity is crucial in disaster recovery. It underscores the resilience of communities when faced with adversity.
Editor: Absolutely. The article mentions neighbors like Eugenia and Ramón stepping up to assist instead of waiting for organized relief. How important is this kind of self-management in disaster situations?
Dr. Torres: Self-management is vital. It allows communities to respond quickly, which can be critical in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Traditional emergency services can be overwhelmed, and having local volunteers stepping in can bridge that gap. It also fosters a sense of empowerment among residents, reinforcing their connection to one another and to their home.
Editor: And while the community was mobilizing, feelings of frustration were evident. Isabel’s comments about the delayed official response highlight this tension. How can organizations balance immediate community needs with longer-term recovery efforts?
Dr. Torres: That’s a challenging balance. Organizations must listen to the community’s needs while also providing a structured response. Effective communication is key. Engaging with the community to understand their immediate needs—be it food, shelter, or tools for cleanup—should be a priority. Simultaneously, long-term recovery plans must be developed to address infrastructure and psychological impacts.
Editor: It’s clear that while volunteers can do a lot, the role of organized aid is still crucial. What strategies should local governments implement in preparation for such disasters?
Dr. Torres: Local governments need to have disaster preparedness plans in place. This includes creating a network of community leaders who can coordinate volunteer efforts, ensuring that resources are pre-positioned, and establishing clear communication channels. Training community members in first aid and response techniques can also empower them to act more effectively in a crisis.
Editor: You mentioned training, which aligns with the idea of community resilience. In the wake of this storm, what steps can communities take to effectively build resilience for future disasters?
Dr. Torres: Building resilience requires a multi-faceted approach. Communities should engage in regular disaster preparedness drills, develop local emergency response teams, and establish partnerships with NGOs and local governments. Furthermore, fostering strong communal ties will enhance trust and cooperation among residents, which is invaluable during a disaster.
Editor: Dr. Torres, thank you for your insights. It’s refreshing to see such a communal spirit in the face of challenges, and your expertise sheds light on the importance of collaboration between individuals, volunteers, and organized aid.
Dr. Torres: Thank you. It’s crucial that we continue to support these communities, not just in recovery but in preparation for whatever nature throws our way in the future.
Editor: Absolutely. Thank you for joining us today, and thank you to our readers for tuning in. Until next time!