The world can admire in admiration one of the most emotional displays of solidarity left by the Spanish people these days, and especially the residents of Valencia: The long marches of volunteers with brooms in hand going to help their loved ones.
A wave of solidarity emerges from Valencia. Thousands of Valencians loaded with buckets, brooms and food travel several kilometers to support those who have lost their homes and property after the devastating DANA in the last days of October.
Local authorities have barely declared a level 2 emergency, and have not yet formally requested the full intervention of the central government. An essential requirement given the autonomous government system established in Spain.
However, the government of Pedro Sánchez assures that all resources are available and ready to be deployed if the Valencian Community requests it. “There is no need to prioritize some over others, because the resources exist to face the entire crisis,” it is only necessary that the regional government requires it, Sánchez explained.
Otherwise, if the central government assumes control of the situation without the formal request of the Valencian authorities, it would be equivalent to the implementation of article 155 of the Spanish constitution, which refers to the process by which the Central Government forces an autonomous community to « “to comply with an order that he does not want to apply.”
Long lines of volunteers head to affected areas
Since yesterday, the roads and bridges that connect Valencia with municipalities such as Paiporta and Picanya have been filled with volunteers who walk on foot to bring help to affected residents. The image of an endless line of people with shovels, brooms and bottles of water defines the spirit of solidarity of a community that, given the lack of response from the regional authorities, decides to act on its own.
Residents of Picanya, like Raquel Benavente, express their frustration at the lack of official help in their neighborhoods and are grateful for the support of volunteers. Benavente highlights the importance of these “heroes” who, without resting, dedicate themselves to cleaning the streets and helping neighbors who have lost almost everything.
Despite the collective effort, the needs remain high. City councils such as those of Chiva and Catarroja ask their inhabitants to have agricultural machinery, backhoes, shovels and floating pumps to join the cleaning work. Some organizations, such as La Unió Llauradora, have mobilized tractors and other vehicles to help in the affected municipalities.
A community dedicated to helping its neighbors
Despite calls from authorities to avoid congestion in the affected areas, thousands of people continue to head to the areas hardest hit by the floods. Young people, adults and even children participate in this mission, showing that Valencian solidarity is still valid and, above all, strong in the face of adversity.
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The residents of Benavente express their frustration over the inadequate official assistance in their neighborhoods, and they are deeply appreciative of the volunteers who step in to help. They emphasize the significance of these ”heroes” who tirelessly work to clean the streets and support neighbors who have lost nearly everything.
Despite the community’s collective efforts, the demand for aid remains high. Local governments, such as those in Chiva and Catarroja, are urging residents to bring agricultural machinery, backhoes, shovels, and floating pumps to assist in the cleanup. Organizations like La Unió Llauradora have mobilized tractors and other vehicles to aid the municipalities affected by the floods.
A strong sense of solidarity persists among the Valencian community, as thousands of people, including young individuals, adults, and even children, make their way to the most impacted areas. This mobilization showcases the community’s unwavering commitment to helping one another in times of crisis, despite official advisories to avoid congestion in those regions.
