‘The people save the people’: the message of Valencian resilience after deadly floods

The devastating autumn floods that struck Valencia left hundreds dead and huge destruction. Yet despite the frustration with the authorities’ response, communities have come together to prevail

People walk through a street with piled furniture and rubbish in Paiporta, Valencia, Spain, on Tuesday, November. 5, 2024. Picture: AP /Emilio Morenatti

A few weeks ago, I wrote in here about how the city of Valencia — just hours after being struck by one of its worst natural disasters in recorded history: La Dana — pulled together in what can only be described as one of the greatest shows of humanity.

Since then, there has been a series of ups and downs in the city. For sure, the past few weeks have not been without hostility.