ADRA Relief Efforts in Spain Continue to Support Thousands Affected by Torrential Flooding

SILVER SPRING, MD (November 20, 2023) – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) mobilized emergency operations in Spain after torrential rains devastated entire municipalities, mainly in the region of Valencia, on October 29.

The severe flooding caused by the torrential rainfall has affected more than 450,000 people, with widespread damage to infrastructure and homes. Approximately 4,000 buildings have been impacted, and 3,000 households remain without electricity. Local authorities report that at least 222 lives have been lost, and dozens of people are still missing. ADRA has been at the forefront on the ground, providing humanitarian aid to those who are displaced and affected by the floods.

“Our response capacity has been very fast because we have volunteers in the affected area,” explains Olga Calonge, ADRA country director for Spain. “Within 24 hours of the emergency, as soon as the magnitude of the crisis was seen, we had volunteers mobilized who live in Valencia and the areas of Paiporta and Aldaia. ADRA is looking at the possibility of creating other logistic support points in the town of Catarroja and is in discussions with the City Council to activate this point in coordination with them, as soon as possible.”

Situation and Response

ADRA emergency response teams in Spain are collaborating with local authorities, the Adventist Church, and ADRA’s extensive network of volunteers to implement a comprehensive emergency response strategy.

“Our emergency response team and volunteers have joined forces with municipalities to clear streets and support recovery efforts. ADRA has established critical distribution hubs to rapidly ensure that relief reaches affected areas. Nonetheless, the situation remains difficult. Debris and vehicles are still blocking several streets, hindering relief efforts. Some communities still lack access to food, clean water, hygiene supplies, electricity, and transportation. The psychological toll on the population is significant; people are traumatized by the disaster,” says Samir Khalil, emergency management response representative for ADRA International. “We are grateful for the support of donors and volunteers. Please pray for these communities as they strive to restore their lives.”

To date, ADRA Spain has provided the following assistance to aid in recovery efforts:

• Managing multiple collection points for distributing food, water, cleaning supplies, and hygiene materials.
• Delivering aid to more remote areas that have yet to receive relief.
• Coordinating street cleaning and debris removal to restore access and safety.
• Assisting in the rehabilitation of homes for vulnerable populations.

Challenges and Community Support

The Spanish National Weather Service has issued an orange alert for the city of Valencia and surrounding communities, warning of further heavy rainfall that could exacerbate the already critical situation in vulnerable areas. As local communities in Valencia face weather challenges and continue recovery efforts, it underscores the urgent need for ADRA to be fully equipped and ready to respond to disasters—not only in Spain but around the world.

Every year, ADRA reaches millions of people across more than 115 countries through its development and recovery programs. In times of crisis, ADRA must be prepared to act quickly and effectively to help communities rebuild. With donor support, ADRA can strengthen its capacity to provide immediate relief, restore hope, and ensure long-term recovery wherever disaster strikes.