The passage of the DANA through València has left severe consequences and triggered a wave of solidarity from both citizens and institutions. The storm, which affected much of the Comunitat Valenciana, caused river overflows, flooding, and significant material damage. Today, we’re not talking about the marathon; instead, we explain how you can help and what initiatives have been launched to assist both people and animals affected.
The impact of the DANA in the Comunitat Valenciana
The DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) hit the province of València hard last Tuesday, causing severe flooding and river overflows. Some of the hardest-hit areas include Sedaví, Catarroja, and various parts of l’Horta. The death toll has already surpassed a hundred, and many people remain missing.
The overflow of rivers like the Magro has heavily impacted municipalities like Algemesí, where streets were submerged, leaving numerous residents in a critical situation. Additionally, the storm has caused road closures and significant damage to basic infrastructure in the affected areas.
Three days of mourning and official measures
Due to the magnitude of the disaster, the government has declared three days of official mourning, lasting until Saturday, November 2. The Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, has confirmed that “all available resources” will be mobilized to help the affected people and to begin recovery efforts as soon as possible.
The Generalitat Valenciana and local councils of the affected areas are coordinating resources to provide assistance and ensure the safety of those impacted. Emergency shelters and distribution points for essential goods have been established.
Ways to Help Those Affected
There are numerous ways to assist those impacted by the DANA. Whether you live in Valencia or elsewhere and cannot be physically present, here’s how you can contribute.
Citizen and volunteer initiatives
The response from the Valencian society has been swift. In Xàbia and the l’Horta region, several organizations and individuals have mobilized to support victims. Municipalities such as Mislata, Benetússer, Paterna, and Albal have set up specific spaces to aid the affected and organize relief efforts.
In Mislata, El Quint Pavilion has become a temporary shelter. Even though the town did not suffer direct damage, it offered its facilities from the start for those in need. Similarly, the Benetússer town council has arranged the CEIP Blasco Ibáñez as an emergency center, while Paterna has made the City Sports Pavilion available for food distribution.
Supply collection points
Today, October 31, there are several collection points for those wishing to donate food and essential supplies. The Federació d’Associacions Veïnals de València has requested priority items such as water, milk, cold cuts, bread, canned goods, hygiene products, diapers, and sanitary pads. They have also clarified that clothing and blankets are not needed at this time.
The designated points in València include:
- Natzaret (C/ Alta del Mar, 71)
- La Isla y Consell de Joventut de València (C/ L’Alguer, 1)
- Patraix (Plaza Patraix, 13B)
- Nou Moles (C/Alcalde Albors, 22)
- Benimaclet (Avenida Valladolid, 42)
- Sala El Loco Club (5:00 PM to 11:30 PM)
- Estadi de Mestalla and Estadi Ciutat de València, among others.
The Algemesí town council is also coordinating the distribution of essential goods, while in Albal, the priority is to supply vital medications to the senior residence.
Assistance for animals affected by the DANA
The storm has not only impacted people but has also caused problems for domestic and shelter animals. Bioparc and the CEU-Cardenal Herrera Veterinary Clinical Hospital have set up a special operation to collect food, blankets, and medicines. Sporting Benimaclet CF has provided facilities at Camp de Les Fonts to shelter animals needing care.
Animal shelters in València urgently need transport crates, beds, sheets, and food for dogs, cats, and other small animals. Community collaboration is crucial to ensure the protection of these animals in the coming days.
Community support groups and networks
The ‘Suport Mutu DANA València’ network has been created to coordinate aid requests via social media. In Alginet, the community has started cleaning and repair efforts, while in l’Eliana, groups like LelianaVol and local Scouts are organizing supply deliveries.
In Catarroja, Civil Protection and local associations are preparing support initiatives, and several buses of volunteers from Benavites are ready to head to the hardest-hit areas. Neighborly cooperation is spreading across many towns in the region.
Organizations and How to Collaborate if You’re Not in Valencia
The Coordinadora Valenciana de ONGD emphasizes the importance of donations to organizations like the Red Cross and Cáritas, which are actively responding to the emergency. Donations can be made via BIZUM (Red Cross: 33512) or by bank transfer to specific accounts for aiding the victims.
- Caixa Popular: ES19 3159 0078 5716 6338 6025
- Caixabank: ES02 2100 8734 6113 0064 8236
https://www.cruzroja.es/colabora
Another quick and easy option is to send a text message (SMS) with the word AYUDA to the following numbers (Spain Only):
- 28092 (Donation of €1.20)
- 38088 (Donation of €3)
- 38092 (Donation of €6)
Cáritas:
You can also contribute via their bank accounts:
- Santander: ES4500491892642110553738
- Sabadell: ES5400810216700002187226
Spanish Federation of Food Banks:
- Donate here
- Bank Account: ES34 2100 6106 8813 0126 8072
- BIZUM: 00090
Psychological support and free services
Psychologists Without Borders has activated a helpline (960 450 230) to provide psychological assistance. The Col·legi Oficial de Psicologia de la Comunitat Valenciana is working with authorities to offer technical support and guidance to social services.
The Notarial College of València has also launched a free service to recover documents lost due to the floods. They can be contacted at: afectadosdana@valencia.notariado.org.
We remind you of all the important phone numbers and bank accounts mentioned:
