“There is no electricity, water, food, telephone, car. What do we do?” Ramon Gonzalez asks, but he doesn’t expect an answer. Fingers covered in dry clay slide across the cell phone screen to the tool and construction warehouse (two floors and a lifetime project) that consumed the show flooding.
His clothes are stained, his eyes are tired. “I lost everything”, he tells the Observer as he drains the muddy waters from his in-laws’ house. “Between the two families we lost eight cars.” The woman waves, at the same time as she moves the dark water towards the street.
The silence of the night contrasts with the noise of the day in the Valencian Community, which continues to increase the number of deaths every minute due to DANA (acronym for Isolation Depression at High Levels), the storm that hit the region. More than 160 people have already been killed by floods in Spain, and almost half of them were in the municipality of Paiporta, in the Valencia region.
The sounds mix. A sinkhole breaks through the mud and reveals something close to the ground that was once there. A child splashes his hands in the silky texture of the material. On balconies and windows, neighbors comment on the wreckage they see with a privileged view.
“It’s the same as what you’ve been seeing since the water came here two days ago,” says Nuria Lajusticia, 38. “Police are here, but they seem to be just patrolling. We have no water, we have no electricity, we have no cover…”, he lists. Together with her husband, they admit that they are afraid of the coming days. “We have everything rotten. What we had frozen because we don’t have electricity has melted.” They have no idea what is being said or written about where they live. “We don’t have TV, we don’t have internet, we don’t have anything.” 18 weeks pregnant, Lajusticia is worried, but is unable to contact the doctor who is with her.
On the same street, an old woman, with a thick head of white hair, pushes through the mud with a wooden stick. trek. To the question “where are you going?”, he answers: “To the end of the world.” He smiles and solves the mystery: “They tell me there is water in the sports center.”
Interview: The Struggles of Recovery in Post-Flooding Valencia
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. We’re talking about the recent devastation caused by flooding in the Valencian Community, and we have an expert on disaster recovery with us, Dr. Maria Vasquez. Dr. Vasquez, can you give us an overview of the current situation in the region?
Dr. Maria Vasquez (MV): Thank you for having me. The flooding in the Valencian Community has been catastrophic. Many residents, like Ramon Gonzalez, are struggling to comprehend the extent of their losses. Essential services, such as electricity and water, are non-existent, which further complicates the recovery process.
TNE: It sounds incredibly challenging. Ramon expressed feelings of despair, saying, “What do we do?” What can the local government or organizations do to support these communities right now?
MV: Immediate support is crucial. Local authorities need to prioritize restoring essential services like electricity and water supply. Additionally, emergency relief efforts should focus on providing food, shelter, and medical assistance. Collaboration with NGOs can also help distribute resources more effectively to those in dire need.
TNE: In the article, it mentions that families have lost multiple vehicles and homes have been severely affected. What kind of long-term recovery strategies do you believe should be implemented to aid these families?
MV: Long-term recovery will require a multi-faceted approach. In addition to immediate relief, we need to invest in infrastructure development that can withstand future flooding. This includes better drainage systems and flood barriers. Financial aid programs and rebuilding efforts that offer support for those who lost their property are also essential, ensuring families like Ramon’s can rebuild their lives.
TNE: That makes sense. The emotional and psychological impact of such disasters is often overlooked. How can we support the mental health of those affected?
MV: Mental health support is critical following a disaster. Counseling services should be made readily available in the community. Support groups can also provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and feelings, which can significantly aid the healing process. Integrating mental health professionals into disaster response teams is a step in the right direction.
TNE: In terms of community resilience, what can residents do to prepare themselves for future disasters?
MV: Community preparedness is essential. Residents should engage in disaster training and participate in community planning sessions. Forming local disaster response groups can enhance coordination during emergencies. Additionally, educating themselves on the risks and having an emergency plan and supplies ready can make a significant difference.
TNE: Lastly, Dr. Vasquez, what message would you like to convey to those watching and reading this?
MV: It’s important for our communities to come together and support each other during these challenging times. While the immediate aftermath of a disaster is overwhelming, the collective effort of individuals, communities, and organizations can lead to recovery and resilience. We must not lose hope and continue to push for the support needed to rebuild.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Vasquez, for sharing your insights. We hope that the community of Valencia finds strength and support as they navigate through this difficult time.