A Tragedy That Has Impacted Thousands
The recent calamity that has struck the Valencian Country has left a deep mark on the soul of Spanish society. In less than a week, an intense DANA has caused more than two hundred human losses and a worrying number of missing, generating a climate of despair and a sense of abandonment among those affected.
The Voluntary Drive
In the midst of this chaos, a wave of solidarity has emerged, with volunteers from all over Catalonia joining together to help the devastated communities. Ivan Ruiz, a young man of twenty-three, shares his experience as a volunteer: ‘The situation is bleak, but the determination of the people to move forward is inspiring’.
A Journey Full of Hope
Ivan and his brother David embarked on a journey from Sants station on Friday morning, accompanied by the organization ‘Voluntaris Catalunya DANA’. With the coordination of Jordi Graupera, they traveled to Picassent, one of the most affected municipalities, where they established a camp for their mission.
A Night of Incessant Work
After a long journey, Ivan and his team arrived in the evening and immediately set up a community kitchen. Efforts were focused on cleaning up Sedaví, where the consequences of the storm were devastating. ‘The trailers with help kept arriving,’ says Ruiz, highlighting the great mobilization of resources.
A Desolate Scenario
The next day, the group moved to Picanya, another of the most affected places. Ivan describes the situation as ‘a total drama’, with collapsed bridges and streets full of rubble. ‘The image is terrifying; the vehicles are piled up and the structures are damaged,’ he explains sadly.
A Collective Response
As the week progresses, the ‘Voluntaris DANA.cat’ platform continues its work of aid, with a constant flow of donations and support from various organizations. Cities like Anoia have responded with material collections and financial aid, demonstrating that solidarity knows no borders.
Reflections on Resilience
Ivan concludes his story with a deep reflection on the situation: ‘It’s incredible how a tragedy can unite people, but at the same time, it’s painful to see so much suffering’. His experience as a volunteer is a reminder of the strength of community in the face of adversity.
