The world has looked upon the sheer devastation that Spain is currently suffering. Areas have been described in the media as ‘apocalyptic’, though the unprecedented floods and storms have stretched north, the initial hit was absorbed by a popular international training spot, Valencia.
Across social media we have already seen numerous local judoka up to their waists in thick mud, clearing streets with brooms. Through his great hardship felt by their people, it is the heart and moral obligation that has pulled together countless volunteers in the absence of special forces in the initial days. On day one, David GIMENO, a local judoka, has been actively assisting with the recovery of their great home.
In Valencia, what usually happens around this time of year is what we call “cold rains,” which are basically torrential downpours. This time, however, a huge amount of rain fell in the mountain villages, and all that water came rushing down into the rivers and ravines, overflowing them and causing flooding in all the municipalities south of Valencia, known as a “riada” (flooding event).
The city of Valencia itself was not affected, because about 80 years ago, there was another flood, and a river channel was built to hold back water in case of another such event. However, there was so much water this time that it overflowed, flooding all the municipalities in southern Valencia. The water rose to over 2 meters in the streets, and due to its force, there have been fatalities, missing persons, and losses of many businesses and ground-level homes.
With news cycle is seeing continuous updates on the developing situation, it has been an avalanche of negativity, addressing the rising numbers of missing people and the realisation of how much this will impact the lives of the Spanish people, and with it the positive stories are being overshadowed.
The sheer sense of community and care for the fellow man has struck the people of Valencia, coming out in their droves to piece together the lives of their countrymen.
The problem is that this has turned into a political media spectacle, and no aid arrived in Valencia until practically the third day after the flood. This meant that we, the people of Valencia, had to go to the affected towns ourselves with our household brooms, with no organization whatsoever, each person going on foot to offer help to those in need. The first day was disastrous; everything was covered in mud, and the only people helping were us Valencians, while the people in the towns were devastated.
David explains that on the third day, army units began to arrive, and though there was appreciation for aid, tensions were rising between politicians and citizens with the feeling that catastrophe couldn’t have been avoided, but the fatalities could have been.
Now, the situation has improved somewhat, but there is still a huge need for machinery to clear the mud from the streets, remove the mud from businesses, and try to restore a sense of normalcy. This will not take days or weeks; recovery will take months and years. The silver lining is that all of Valencia and Spain have come together to try to help, and people from all over Spain are coming to Valencia with their brooms and shovels, donating hygiene products, water boots, food, and it is all very much appreciated. Thanks to the people, the people are being saved.
Valencia is of course known for the International Training Centre, run by Laura Gomez and Sugoi Uriarte, who are doing all they can to contribute to the re establishment of the surrounding villages. Laura explained the fast development of this dire situation,
On that morning, we trained in the centre, then at 11:30 we were told they needed to close because of a red alert, and advised to go home, but it was 24 degrees and sunny! Any other time it would have been a beach day. Looking back we were all so wrong for thinking ‘oh but we didn’t finish training’, the athletes who are preparing for the U23 Europeans were angry, but we could never have known. Another alert went out at 20:00, but already by then, some people were dead or trapped. We still didn’t even know this because we had no connection or anything! It really looks like a different world.
Athletes have of course been on hand to help physically, but within this critical time, resources are in high demand. In Valencia Polytechnic University, where both Laura and Sugoi studied, and where a summer camp housing 1000 athletes is held, now houses people in a different way. Though the government have sent in teams, there are countless volunteers coming from around the country including firemen and policemen who are working around the clock.
We have been reaching out for materials, beds, and the concern at the moment is the control of disease. The streets are still filled with mud, the smell in some places is just terrible and because we live by the sea it can become very humid. They are trying to clean the schools but you can imagine, there is nothing there, no chairs, crayons, toys for these children. Looking back we were lucky that our area wasnt affected but also our villages closed everything, in the south that wasn’t the case.
I know people who were trying to move cars from garages that they had to leave, run to another building for safety, some still doing afternoon activities that were sitting on top of trucks for hours. I tried calling my friend, but had no success, eventually he called and explained they had walked for some kilometres and needed us to come get them by car, they have two small children.
It has been gorgeous to see everyone come together, many people, like ourselves who are able have left cars or bikes for people who really need them, especially bikes as it is so hard to move around. In times like this, you see the power of the people.
President of the European Judo Union, Dr Laszlo Toth sends his support to the people of Spain,
We are deeply saddened by the catastrophic floods that have struck the Valencia region and other parts of Spain. The loss of life and destruction are heartbreaking, and the Judo Family stands in full solidarity with everyone who is affected during this incredibly difficult time.
We sincerely hope that this tragic situation comes to an end soon and that those impacted receive the help and support they need to recover. It is our hope that the ongoing efforts bring comfort and assistance to the communities in need, and our thoughts remain with everyone during this difficult time.
Author: Thea Cowen