Shovels to dig in the mud, food and water are the main needs of the communities affected by the floods in the Valencia area. Thousands of citizens are mobilizing to provide aid and, as La Vanguardia and other newspapers report, they are forming caravans on foot to reach the most devastated areas. The direction of these groups of volunteers is towards the hinterland of Valencia, especially towards places such as Sedaví, Alfafar, Paiporta, Picanya, Albal and Catarroja. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his gratitude in X, thanking public officials and volunteers for their commitment in such a difficult time.

In the meantime, the army is deploying resources to assist the affected populations. However, the emergency services coordination center has issued an important warning: while they appreciate the support of volunteers, they have been asked not to travel to the affected areas to avoid traffic collapses that hinder access to relief.

In Picanya, one of the centers most damaged by the flood, dozens of migrants have started cooking in the streets. Among the rubble and vehicles destroyed by the water, they have set up improvised barbecues and are preparing typical dishes from different cultures. The food is being prepared for the local population who lost everything due to the catastrophe. These migrants are also displaced; they were living in a hotel that was submerged by the waters. They come from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Georgia and Venezuela.

They reached an agreement with the hotel owner to use the food in the pantry in the dining room and cook it for those in need. Now they offer meals to anyone who passes by and the menu varies according to the recipes of the different cultures represented. A Venezuelan man told the local press that when it comes to helping others there are no differences anymore: “We have no electricity or water but we are grateful to be alive and we just want to lend a hand.” This gesture of solidarity shows how the community can unite in the most difficult moments.