Storm DANA hit Valencia hard, leaving behind considerable damage. Toulousans, touched by the distress of their Spanish neighbors, are mobilizing to help. Here’s an overview of the initiatives put in place to support the victims. Faced with the scale of the disaster that struck the Valencia region on October 30, causing unprecedented flooding and claiming many victims, solidarity is being organized from Toulouse and other French cities. Associations, local authorities and citizens are joining forces to help the Spanish victims.
Donations to meet urgent needs
The Valencia Food Bank
The Mestalla stadium, home of Valencia CF, has been transformed into a collection center. Volunteers from the Valencia Food Bank receive donations of food and basic necessities. For those unable to attend, financial donations can be made via the organization’s website.
Caritas
Caritas has launched an initiative to channel aid to its headquarters in Valencia and Albacete. The organization has set up specific bank accounts to receive donations for the “EMERGENCIA DANA VALENCIA”. Bank details are available on the Caritas website.
Various solidarity initiatives to help Valencia
Convoy of APPCAT volunteers
The Associació per a la Participació Política (APPCAT) is organizing a convoy of volunteers to Valencia. This initiative, coordinated with the local authorities of Horta Sud, aims to provide direct aid on the ground. Those wishing to take part can register on the organization’s website.
Solidarité Occitane
The Montpellier-based association Solidarité Occitane has launched an appeal for donations for Spanish disaster victims. The initiative aims to support families who have lost everything following the devastating floods. Among the items needed:blankets, hygiene products, water and milk packs, products for infants…
Secours populaire français
Secours populaire français has launched an appeal for donations to help flood victims. The association stresses the importance of financial donations to fund reconstruction materials and temporary housing.
The town of Elne mobilizes
In solidarity with the people of the Valence region, the town of Elne, in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, has set up an urn to collect donations for Secours Populaire.
Perpignan’s commitment
The city of Perpignan has expressed its support for its cross-border neighbors, and pledged to provide prompt logistical assistance. Collection point: Salle des Archets. Materials will be collected from Tuesday November 5 to Thursday November 7 (inclusive), from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A growing mobilization
Other local initiatives are taking shape, such as that of the Espace Renaissance association in Montpellier, which is organizing the dispatch of a semi-trailer loaded with donations to L’Eliana, near Valencia.
In the face of this disaster, cross-border solidarity is taking many forms. Whether through financial or material donations, or through volunteer work, every gesture counts in helping the Valencian community to overcome this ordeal. Anyone wishing to lend their support is invited to contact the organizations mentioned or the local authorities to find out how they can help.