Torrential rains and DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) that ravaged entire municipalities on October 29, 2024, mainly in the Valencian Community, have caused extensive damage in areas where the presence of the Adventist Church and ADRA Spain and its volunteers has been deeply rooted for decades.

Valencia is one of the Spanish autonomous communities with the largest number of Adventist members, where the headquarters of the Sagunto Adventist College is located, and a community where ADRA has an important volunteer body that has witnessed how the crisis caused by this climate and humanitarian emergency has reached their own doorstep.

This situation has enabled ADRA Spain and its volunteers to work on the site of the disaster since the day following the torrential floods. Currently, ADRA Spain has organized and manages one of the main logistics and supply points in Paiporta, one of the hardest-hit municipalities, distributing food, drinking water, and other essential items.

On November 1 and 2, more than 30 volunteers worked in shifts to receive and distribute supplies and other donations among the affected population. They also delivered essential items to those affected who, due to mobility issues, could not reach the ADRA logistics point in Paiporta in person. Here in Paiporta, ADRA is supported by donations received from across Spain and collaboration with other NGOs like the Red Cross.

Paiporta has been one of the most severely affected areas by the 2024 DANA, becoming what has been termed the “ground zero” of this catastrophe. Many streets are impassable due to the floods, and numerous fatalities have been reported, though exact figures are still unconfirmed as the search for missing and deceased persons continues.

In addition to the distribution point in Paiporta, ADRA is also involved in cleaning efforts underway in the town of Aldaia. There, another 70 volunteers from the ADRA Camp de Morvedre delegation are working in shifts to clear main communication routes and remove mud from streets, homes, and nursing homes. It is estimated that recovery efforts will take weeks or months.

These torrential rains that have affected Valencia and other regions of Spain have been one of the most significant natural disasters in the country’s recent history. As of November 5, the death toll stands at 215, with over 1,900 people missing. The heavy rains began on the afternoon of October 29, with some areas recording near 500 millimeters per square meter, leading to river and ravine overflows and flash floods.

“Our response capability has been very quick due to having volunteers in the affected area,” explains Olga Calonge, director of ADRA Spain. “Within 24 hours of the emergency, as soon as the magnitude of the crisis was clear, we had volunteers mobilized living in Valencia and in the areas of Paiporta and Aldaia. We are considering the possibility of creating another logistics support point in the town of Catarroja and are in discussions with the City Council to activate this point in coordination with them as soon as possible.”

The original article was published on the ADRA Europe website.