Six months after catastrophic flooding swept through the Valencia region, ADRA Spain, the Adventist Church's humanitarian arm in the region, continues to lead recovery efforts with the support of hundreds of volunteers from across the country.
In the immediate aftermath of storm DANA, which hit in late October 2024, ADRA mobilized its local branch in Camp de Morvedre to deliver drinking water to affected areas. Within days, volunteers from Valencia, Castellón, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza arrived to assist with emergency cleanup in the towns of Paiporta, Catarroja, Benetússer, and Aldaya.
Teams spent weeks unblocking streets, cleaning public buildings, including schools and nursing homes, and distributing emergency supplies. Their work was critical to stabilizing the community in the disaster’s first phase.
Record Donations and Emergency Logistics
In just one month, ADRA Spain received approximately US$338,000 (€313,000) in donations—the highest in its history. Nearly US$210,000 (€195,000) came from individuals and businesses in Spain, and the remainder from the ADRA International network. With these funds, ADRA established two emergency distribution centers in Paiporta and Catarroja. A third warehouse in Albalat dels Sorells served as a hub for collecting and distributing essential supplies.
Through January 1, 2025, more than 5,000 people received aid from these centers. Since November 2024, ADRA has also provided individualized assistance to vulnerable families affected by the disaster.
Three-Pronged Recovery Strategy
ADRA’s long-term recovery work in the region now focuses on three priorities:
Continued food and hygiene assistance for families still impacted by the floods.
Rebuilding and renovating homes severely damaged in the storm.
Providing essential household items, including furniture and appliances, to families in need.
Home Renovations Underway
To date, ADRA has worked on 28 homes across the municipalities of Benetússer, Paiporta, Aldaia, Catarroja, Sedaví, Massanassa, Alfafar, and Riba Roja. The initial response included clearing debris, removing water-damaged materials, and addressing structural issues. ADRA is currently completing full renovations on seven homes, with more planned as resources allow. The cost of materials alone has exceeded US$38,250 (€35,500).
In addition to skilled volunteers with experience in masonry, plumbing, and electrical work, ADRA has also relied on community support to assist families without insurance or public aid, many of whom were already vulnerable before the storm.
Appliances and Direct Support
After the renovations, ADRA helped furnish homes with essential items. Additional donations, including new refrigerators, washing machines, mattresses, and bedding, have been distributed since January 2025. Volunteers are currently sorting secondhand donations for future use.
ADRA continues to support 83 families regularly in areas including Paiporta, Catarroja, Alfafar, Aldaia, Sedaví, Benetússer, and nearby towns. Thirty-three families receive food and hygiene assistance on an ongoing basis. To supplement this aid, ADRA has distributed gift cards and vouchers for fresh groceries.
Civic Recognition
On February 24, 2025, the Aldaya City Council formally recognized the contributions of ADRA Camp de Morvedre volunteers. Mayor Guillermo Luján expressed his gratitude, stating, “The help they provided in cleaning our streets was extraordinary. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Community Engagement and Solidarity Events
ADRA partnered with the Sagunto Adventist Campus, the Adventist college in Spain, and Stella Maris Volleyball Club to support recovery and foster community, to host a charity tournament on January 4. Proceeds supported local sports teams affected by acute respiratory syndrome (ANA), including clubs in Valencia, Algemesí, Catarroja, Silla, and Sagunto. Another tournament is scheduled for May 18.
A benefit concert on March 9 at the Joaquín Rodrigo Auditorium in Sagunto featured performances by local Adventist choirs and orchestras, including the Castellón Fanfare and the Sagunto Adventist Campus Orchestra. The event drew 300 attendees and raised funds through donations and ticket sales.
Looking Ahead
As recovery efforts continue, ADRA remains committed to walking alongside families still rebuilding their lives. Volunteers and supporters across Spain are playing a vital role in this mission of compassion and restoration.
The original article was published on the revista.Adventista España Spanish news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
