A Context of Need: The Response to Floods
Nurse Alba, a resident of Benlloc, has spent the last few days providing health care in Paiporta, a municipality in L’Horta Sud that has suffered severe flooding. “The usual strategies are not enough in times of crisis,” he said, reflecting on the need to restructure medical care in emergency situations.
Assistance at Home: A Vital Service
With the collaboration of the Mutual Support Network of Valencia, Alba has visited several homes, offering health care to neighbors who need urgent help. On his journey, he has encountered desperate situations, such as that of Ali’s sister, a young migrant who had recently needed urgent medical attention but had not been able to travel to the health center.
The Importance of Communication
Alba recognized that communication is key in these situations: “It is essential that someone accompanies people who do not speak Spanish well, as many are disoriented.”
A Scenario of Destruction: The Reality in Paiporta
Six days after the heavy rains, Paiporta is still struggling with the consequences of the floods. The streets are full of mud and debris, and the situation is alarming in areas where cleaning machinery has not been accessible.
The need for medical attention
Health volunteers, such as Sonia, a doctor from Castelló, have highlighted the urgent need for home care. “Many chronically ill patients cannot travel safely, and home care becomes a priority,” he stated.
Criticism of Health Coordination
Health professionals have expressed their frustration with the lack of coordination by the authorities. “There hasn’t been a clear organization, and we need guidelines to be able to act properly,” said Javier, a local nurse.
The Government’s Response
The Spanish government recently declared Paiporta a disaster zone, but many health professionals regret that this decision came too late. “The lack of preparation has been evident,” commented Sebastián, a Colombian family doctor with experience in disaster situations.
The Role of Volunteers: Hope and Need
Solidarity between health workers has been fundamental. Many have organized teams of volunteers through social networks, but the lack of institutional support has made their work difficult. “We have been working independently, but we need better coordination to be effective,” added a doctor who had come from Madrid.
The Call to Action
The volunteers have asked that their work not be romanticized. “We will continue here, but we need adequate professional teams and an orderly response from the administration,” concluded Alba, reflecting on the importance of taking care of both the physical and mental health of those affected.
As the community of Paiporta recovers, it is clear that the unity and determination of volunteers are essential to face this crisis, and that collaboration between different sectors is vital to face the challenges ahead.