The complex situation in which thousands of people find themselves after the floods in Valencia almost a month ago, has made it necessary to diversify the aid.

Although the tragedy has mobilised volunteers, organisations and evangelical churches to clean up the mud, distribute water, food and basic goods, psychological care has also become a priority.

Ten psychological assistance points have been set up in the affected towns, and several regional psychology associations have made themselves available to help those affected.

Abigail Castellanos, a psychologist of the Butterfly Association, serves “on the front line", where “we meet many people who are broken, sad, desperate and without hope. The help fills them with hope and enthusiasm. That is key if we want to recover Valencian society”, she says.

[photo_footer]The DANA damaged over 21,000 homes, more than 44,000 vehicles and 4,635 commercial premises, according to data provided by the regional government. / Joel Forster.[/photo_footer]

“We talk directly to the victims”

“My job is to collect information from people who ask for help and to quickly manage the needs they have. We talk directly to the victims, and when we tell them that we are going to help them, many of them burst into tears. In the midst of their desolation, receiving a helping hand is a rest for the soul and a balm for the horror”, points out Castellanos.

Butterfly, an association dedicated to bringing to Spain children with serious physical problems who cannot be treated in their home countries, has a house that is now being used to host volunteers who have come to help out.

“The Butterfly house buzzes at night when all the volunteers from all over Spain and part of Europe sit around the table, share their stories, vent and sleep warm, an underrated luxury”, explains Castellanos.

 

“Social aid is healing the emotional impact”

The psychologist describes the situation as something “never experienced before”.

“They are immersed in mud, sludge, rot, death and desolation. The feeling of helplessness and frustration has entered our hearts”.

Castellanos tells that many people “go out to the streets with brooms and shovels to clear the black cloud of impotence, rage and frustration. They spend their strength and energy cleaning up the mud while crying for family and friends, hugging the bereaved, because that is what soothes the soul”.

[photo_footer] Many spend their strength and energy cleaning up the mud. / Joel Forster.[/photo_footer]

She highlights the work of the volunteers who, “are the ones who are really reaching out to all corners of the towns and are creating an awareness of solidarity like we have never seen before”.

For Castellanos, “social aid is not only rescuing those affected, but also healing the emotional impact that the horror we are experiencing has left on us”.

“Many of those who are smelling that putrid mud every day, listening to the sirens, the helicopters and the sound of destruction, will talk about their expediences with this ordeal. But here, our hearts have been heavy since Tuesday 29 October and all we can do is help others with what we have at hand”, she adds.

“We feel every loss as our own”

The psychologist underlines that “we are very aware that we could have been the victims and that is why we cry with those who cry, we embrace those who need it, we rescue the most damaged and we give hope in the midst of the chaos and destruction that surrounds us”.

“We are all brothers and sisters and we feel every loss as our own, because the pain around us is so great that we lack hands to help”, she says.

[photo_footer] Damage represents 32% of the GDP of the region of Valencia / Joel Forster..[/photo_footer]

A living faith

In extreme situations like these, “we show our faith and beliefs by example, bringing food to the tables of families, giving mattresses to those who sleep on the floor and helping to build a life based on solidarity and love of the people of Valencia”, she stresses.

“People know about our actions made with love, which impacts their lives. Leading by example changes lives and that is what we do: helping with wisdom and loving without limits”, concludes Castellanos.

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[title]One more year[/title]

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[text]At Evangelical Focus, we have a sustainability challenge ahead. We invite you to join those across Europe and beyond who are committed with our mission. Together, we will ensure the continuity of Evangelical Focus and Protestante Digital (Spanish) in 2024.

Learn all about our #OneMoreYearEF campaign here (English).

[/text][/analysis]