Valencians physically, emotionally exhausted six months on from floods
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"We lost it in the DANA," many locals in villages outside Valencia reply of their personal belongings. From baby strollers to wedding dresses, laptops to photo albums - six months after the devastating floods in a number of villages outside Valencia, the so-called DANA remains the only thing on people's minds.
The DANA, Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, or 'cold drop', was the atmospheric phenomenon which on 29 October 2024 brought torrential rain and a year's worth of precipitation.
More than 227 people lost their lives and thousands of businesses and homes were damaged. After the flooding, thousands of volunteers from all around Spain came to help clean up. Many arrived by foot.
Six months later, although people here are grateful to be alive, the mental suffering feels more acute than ever. With elevators broken down and parking lots destroyed - the day to day lives of people changed for the worse - especially for the old and vulnerable. Although houses are being renovated and businesses gradually reopening, the price tag of the economic damage remains at billions and the psychological consequences for children acute.
"We are more drained now than six months ago",
Juan Ruiz
Father of two
Juan Ruiz is about to move house for the second time since losing his newly renovated home six months ago. On top of the normal day to day tasks, daily life now consists of admin, paper work, home renovations - piecing together the life his family had before the 29 October 2024. Juan is forever grateful to the volunteers who gave up their free time to support him and his family, but disappointed with local politicians for their lack of support.
A massive demonstration had been arranged for Monday to call for the resignation of the President of the Valencian Community Carlos Mazón, for the management of the DANA of October 29, but was postponed due to the historic electricity outage.
With the country on a level 2 emergency plan, organisers said they were acting responsibly for security reasons and would hold the demonstration on Tuesday instead during the EPP party Congress.
"Mazón, resign" Demo postponed
The spokesperson for the demonstration told Euronews it was terrible to hold the EPP congress and celebration in Valencia, a city still in mourning.
"It is for us an insult as they are validating the criminal management of the worst ecological catastrophe in our area"
Beatriu Cardona
English teacher and spokesperson for DANA victims
Beatriu is calling another demonstration for today at 18h30 at the same time the European Popular Party Congress will be hosting an official dinner.
"At that very time, six months ago there were dozens of people being flooded and dying from Carlons Mazón's incompetence," Beatriu Cardona told Euronews.
For her part, the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said she would not meet victims this week in Valencia but has invited them instead to Brussels on 13 May.
"I hope the People's Party will at least pay for their flights and hotel," chirped José, another demonstrator in the crowd praising the Commission President for showing solidarity.
Protesters hope the European People's Party congress will put pressure on Carlos Mazón to step down from politics as the biggest fear in Valencia is that the tragic DANA will strike again.
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