Those who endured the catastrophic floods in Spain conveyed to Sky News a sense of gratitude for their survival.
However, they expressed frustration over the insufficient assistance provided by government agencies, emergency responders, or military personnel.
They believe they have been overlooked and are left without electricity, sustenance, or drinking water, even though they reside just a brief drive away from one of Spain’s largest metropolitan areas.
Damaged vehicles in Alfafar, Spain, following the floods
Instead, an army of volunteers has mobilized to begin the cleanup in the ravaged towns, while others must depend solely on their community members to confront the extensive wreckage.
Stay informed: Live updates on the Spain floods
“Inform the world that we have nothing,” one local stated during our discussion in the town of Albal, with rising requests for a nationwide demonstration in response to what is perceived as a delayed reaction by the authorities.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, there exist captivating tales of resilience. In Catarroja, we encountered Arkait Iniguez, who returned home from his high school in Valencia due to severe weather alerts.
“Initially, the water was up to my knees,” he recounted. He wanted to ensure the safety of his grandmother, residing close by, but by the time he reached her residence, the water surged with such velocity that it swept him away.
“The current was incredibly strong, and the water continued to rise. I clung to the post of a traffic sign to avoid being swept away. Some residents tried to assist – they tossed me a rope, but it snapped.
“I was in that predicament for 20 minutes. Something collided with me – I suspect it was a vehicle, but I can’t confirm. Eventually, the flow lessened, and I was able to leap onto a car.”
Arkait Iniguez caught in floodwaters
Mr. Iniguez remained in that situation for several hours before he managed to navigate through the water and finally reach safety.
His harrowing experience is evidenced by the deep gashes on his back.
Volunteers assisting in the cleanup in Catarroja
He expressed, “I feared for my life, but I also thought, ‘This is not how it should conclude.'”
As we converse, local residents are diligently washing the roads, having worked tirelessly since dawn. “This is the most prized road in the town,” one individual proclaimed. It appears that community pride can withstand any challenge.
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Volunteers in Aldaia
Throughout this area, we witnessed countless individuals volunteering to assist in restoring these towns to a semblance of normalcy. We observed extensive lines of people, armed with brooms and brushes, forming a robust community of supporters.
What was noticeably absent was a significant presence of actual military personnel.
As we navigated through the town of Aldaia, which had been overwhelmed by mud and debris, the atmosphere was charged with activity as passionate residents worked with determination and focus.
Efforts are currently underway, yet they are largely reliant on volunteers—many of whom are youths in their late teens or early twenties.
We hardly encountered any emergency service personnel.
It is understandable that these services are stretched thin, and complete preparedness for a calamity of this magnitude is nearly impossible. However, as one navigates through these distressed and ravaged towns, the prevailing impression is that all the assistance is being rendered by amateurs, while the trained professionals remain mostly absent.
Father Francisco likened the floods to a “horror movie.”
The task of rebuilding will be immense. The physical remnants of these floods will linger for many years, as will the emotional toll.
Our first encounter with Father Francisco occurs as he offers solace to individuals on the street, his shirt marked with mud.
Father Francisco expresses that while this disaster has not diminished his faith, it has profoundly affected his emotions. As we converse, he is on the verge of tears—similarly drained as his congregation.
“I would describe our state as one of shock. We are in a state of shock, and it’s clear that reality has outstripped fiction. This resembles a horror film, but it transcends that.”
“This natural disaster is far worse than any horror movie.”
