On May 10, 2025, the Disaster Famine and Relief Offering is taking place in Adventist churches throughout Europe. Thank you very much for every single gift that helps ADRA be ready and there when a disaster strikes. Here we are sharing an update on ADRAs work following the devastating floods in the Valencia region of Spain six months ago.
By Olga Calonge and Sara Pérez.-
Six months after the Dana storm, ADRA and its volunteers continue working in the municipalities most affected by the torrential rains that caused devastating consequences in the Valencian Community on October 29.
ADRA Spain would like to express its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who have collaborated and continue to help to this day in the recovery of the most affected areas and the most vulnerable families. Over these six months, the tireless work and support of hundreds of ADRA volunteers across the Valencian Community and all of Spain have been indispensable. Without them, it would have been impossible to mobilize all the emergency aid required in the first phase and to continue supporting the basic needs and the repair and rehabilitation of homes affected by the flooding.
In the first hours, ADRA Camp de Morvedre mobilized a team to bring drinking water to the most affected areas. Hundreds of ADRA volunteers from Valencia, Castellón, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza, among other places, began providing assistance in Paiporta, Catarroja, Benetússer, and Aldaia.
These were weeks of work clearing streets, schools, and nursing homes, distributing food, and offering support to victims and those affected by the Dana.
Two logistics distribution points
In just one month, the wave of solidarity led ADRA Spain to surpass its historical donation record, raising €313,000 from across Spain and the ADRA International network. Specifically, nearly €195,000 came from individual and corporate donations, and another €120,000 from the ADRA International network.
With this support, ADRA organized two logistics distribution centers for food and essential products in the municipalities of Paiporta—the epicenter of the disaster—and Catarroja.
Additionally, a logistics warehouse in Albalat dels Sorells enabled ADRA to channel all donations and necessary supplies during the initial days of the emergency. It’s estimated that more than 5,000 people were assisted at these distribution points (between 300 and 400 families per day), which remained operational without interruption until January 1. Since November, ADRA volunteers have also been providing personalized support to families rendered vulnerable by the Dana.
Three lines of action
Today, ADRA channels its efforts through three main lines of action. First, it continues to provide assistance—such as food, hygiene, and cleaning products—to families made vulnerable by the storm. Second, it is involved in housing reconstruction. And third, it provides appliances and basic household items to families lacking access to them.
Reconstruction and renovation of 28 homes
ADRA has focused on making ground-level homes—those most affected by the flooding—habitable again. The reconstruction process will be long, given the high levels of moisture and damage. These are families without home insurance, already vulnerable before October 29, or whose vulnerability was caused by the Dana, receiving little to no public or private assistance.
In this work, the help of volunteers from various parts of Spain is essential. For more than five months, they have contributed skills in masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and other relevant trades.
Initial aid focused on clearing out water-damaged furniture, debris, and damaged floors. Later, tasks included sanding, chipping, drying, debris removal, moisture prevention, and fixing frameworks.
Currently, ADRA is carrying out full renovations of seven homes. In total, 28 homes have been repaired to varying degrees in Benetússer, Paiporta, Aldaia, Catarroja, Sedaví, Massanassa, Alfafar, and Riba Roja. The total investment in materials exceeds €35,500.
Furniture and appliance support
Following the renovations, ADRA also supported the provision of appliances, furniture, and other basic necessities, spending more than €15,000 on specific purchases for these homes.
Since January, ADRA has received donations of brand-new refrigerators, washing machines, small appliances, mattresses, and bedding. Other second-hand material donations are being sorted by volunteers to ensure delivery in the best possible condition.
Support for affected families
Over these six months, ADRA and its volunteers have also focused on supporting the most affected families. ADRA has provided regular assistance to 83 families in Paiporta, Catarroja, Alfafar, Aldaia, Alaquàs, Sedaví, Masanassa, Benetússer, Quart de Poblet, Picanya, Monserrat, La Torre, Torrent, and Riba Roja. Ongoing support, in the form of food and hygiene/cleaning supplies, is being provided to 33 of these families.
To better meet basic needs, ADRA has launched a system of 40 prepaid cards (valued between €150 and €250) for use at Consum supermarkets. Additionally, 40 vouchers worth €10 each have been distributed. These, combined with personalized deliveries of food and other essentials, help families purchase fresh and perishable items.
Acknowledgement from Aldaia
On February 24, the City Council of Aldaia and Mayor Guillermo Luján publicly thanked the ADRA Camp de Morvedre volunteers for their tireless work during the first four months.
Luján highlighted the dedication of the many ADRA volunteers who “worked so hard to bring a ray of hope to the people of Aldaia during such dark times,” he said. “Having such a committed team was wonderful. The support provided in cleaning our streets was extraordinary. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Volleyball Tournament and Benefit Concert
On January 4, ADRA, the Adventist Campus of Sagunto, and the Stella Maris Volleyball Club (Puerto de Sagunto) organized a Charity Volleyball Tournament in support of local teams affected by the Dana. The event combined a love for sports with solidarity, helping clubs and athletes from the Dana-hit region: Club Voleibol Albal (Valencia), Club Deportivo Nou Algemesí, Club Voleibol Catarroja, Club Volleyball Thunder Silla, the campus volleyball team, and the Stella Maris Club from Puerto de Sagunto.
Another tournament is in the works for May 18, aiming to reconnect with these teams and continue supporting their recovery.
On March 9, a benefit concert was held at the Joaquín Rodrigo Auditorium in Sagunto, featuring Adventist choirs and orchestras from the area, including the Castellón Fanfare, the Sagunto Choir, the Sagunto Adventist Campus Orchestra, and the Johann Sebastian Bach School Children’s Choir. The concert gathered 300 attendees and raised €2,770 through ticket sales, on-site donations, and “row zero” contributions.
How to Support This Project
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by including the reference “DANA Valencia” in their transfers. ADRA Spain’s account number at Banco Santander is:
ES36-0049-0469-1428-1070-2011
You can also donate via Bizum to number **01379** or via PayPal: **paypal.me/adraespana**
Credit: Article and Pictures by ADRA Spain
