Although they toil amidst piles of cars and rivers of mud, our volunteers in Valencia, Spain have lived up to Amma’s teaching to remain strong and reach out to those in need. The region’s catastrophic flash floods took more than 220 lives at the end of October. Their most crucial resolve is to comfort the survivors as they heal, and in doing this, they also find solace.
“I was in Catarroja, one of the hardest-hit areas. I spoke with an 81-year-old man who lost everything in his home. The water had risen over two metres and swept away all clothes, appliances, and possessions,” shared Dr. Isabel Soler. She lives 100km south of the flooded area and is also a volunteer optometrist with our project to perform free cataract surgeries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Despite this, he felt grateful to survive. He told me, ‘I may have more or less, but being alive is priceless.’ I was struck by this resilience and positivity, focusing on what he still had rather than what he’d lost.”
Of course, the magnitude and speed of the torrential downpour was a shock for everyone. A deluge of muddy waters suddenly tore apart roads and railways, gutted shops and homes, and submerged fields. The final cost of the damage could reach tens of billions of euros.
Regardless of their deep sadness, our volunteers immediately gathered in teams across the region to take part in cleaning up the streets, serving meals, and providing basic needs. The scale of the destruction meant that human effort alone wasn’t enough. Heavy machinery was essential to clear away cars and debris carried along by the floodwaters.
“When my husband Bernd and I arrived, the first thing we saw was a local woman offering coffee from a tray to all the volunteers and professionals. She had prepared it herself to support those working in her community.
“Moments later, someone came up behind me, taking one of my bags to help me—without me even asking. These small gestures of kindness make such a difference,” expressed Isabel.
José María is from the flooded area, though is fortunate that his own life was not affected. Still, he sat down overwhelmed with grief when he first witnessed the depth of havoc in his community. In a matter of minutes, people had been trapped in buildings and cars. Others had their homes and businesses washed away. But by grace, he was able to gather himself when he saw the countless people arriving to help, especially youth.
“I observed the massive response of solidarity from all Valencians, Spaniards and even people from abroad. They have gathered—rivers of people—walking or cycling from Valencia to the mud-filled villages, holding shovels, buckets and brooms. This has blessed me to open my heart greatly, to feel compassion and a very strong sense of unity that drives me to do my part,” he explained.
In the city of Valencia, José led volunteer outreach to the survivors from the day after the floods struck. He began by partnering with a local NGO, Amigos de la Calle (Friends of the Street). Our team already works with Amigos de la Calle throughout the year to serve food to the homeless, so they quickly joined in to prepare sandwiches for flood relief.
Soon after, Beatriz Fesser from Marina Alta in Alicante travelled 85 km to coordinate a group to help clean houses and streets in Algemesí. The rural municipality of about 27,000 people was swept by a huge wave overflowing from the Magro River.
“It’s incredible to see so many people dedicating themselves, working side by side with such open hearts. Regardless of skin color or uniform—whether soldiers, firefighters, special forces, or police—everyone is giving their best,” said Beatriz.
“At times, it’s hard to see people, especially women, get emotional as they thank us, but it shows the immense gratitude they feel for the support of the volunteers.”
Isabel continues to assist in whatever way she can to bridge our efforts across the region. It has been challenging, as the devastation of the floods is large-scale and there are many specific roles to fill. At the same time, the need for food, blankets, shoes, and other necessities is urgent.
Regardless, she will move forward, fuelled by the strength of her compassion. She humbly shares that the inspiration comes from the dedicated efforts of other volunteers.
“Please pray for those affected. The material damage is visible to the eyes, but the fear and stress they endured are hidden wounds, leaving lasting marks on their hearts.”
