FUNDRAISER FOR FLOOD VICTIMS IN PAIPORTA (Leiden X Valencia)

My name is Carmen, currently living in the Netherlands, my family is from Valencia, Spain. Together with a group of Valencians living outside of our hometown, we have put together a fundraiser to show support for our beloved city from afar. We were inspired by all of the volunteers that mobilized immediately in the light of the recent catastrophic floods and also wanted to do our part. All money raised from this initiative will be transferred directly to the city council of Paiporta so that they can continue to provide warm meals for their community, as well as rebuild essential infrastructure.

Help Valencia Rebuild: Support Victims of the Catastrophic Floods

The region of Valencia, Spain, has been devastated by an unprecedented natural disaster. Torrential rains and flash floods have destroyed entire towns, displaced hundreds, and claimed countless lives. This catastrophe, exacerbated by governmental neglect, has left survivors with nothing—no homes, no resources, and no aid.

The town of Paiporta was Ground Zero for this flood and remains one of the most affected areas of this catastrophe. As a densely populated area within L’Horta Sud, Paiporta was one of the first regions to be hit by the destructive torrents unleashed by the DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos). Entire neighborhoods were submerged within hours as floodwaters surged through streets, homes, and businesses, leaving residents trapped and infrastructure in ruins.

The aftermath is heartbreaking: homes remain uninhabitable, essential services are still disrupted, and the recovery process has been painfully slow.

The town has suffered extensive damage, with flooded homes, destroyed businesses, and widespread devastation. Over 25,000 residents in Paiporta alone are grappling with power and water outages, and many have lost their homes or possessions entirely. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with the military, providing aid through water extraction, debris removal, and food distribution.

Flood Aftermath in Paiporta

Recovery is expected to take a long time, as authorities and residents work together to rebuild homes and infrastructure. Efforts are being coordinated, but resources remain stretched, and local leaders emphasize the need for continued external support.

Despite the resilience of its people, Paiporta remains a symbol of the catastrophic consequences of both climate change and systemic governmental failure to act.

Why This Matters

1. Lives Lost & Communities Erased: Survivors have lost loved ones, homes, farms, and businesses. There are no street lamps on certain streets, no running water, electricity, or useable infrastructure and roads. Severe health risks exist due to the still-standing water, dust arising from the mud, blocked and leaking sewage pipes, etc.

2. Insufficient Emergency Response: The Valencian government failed to issue timely warnings, leaving citizens unprepared. Post-disaster, aid has been minimal, and volunteer efforts have been actively discouraged.

3. Neglect & Corruption: Political decisions have prioritized profits over lives, leaving citizens to fend for themselves.

For more information, including a full retelling of events, I recorded a podcast episode (in English) that you can listen to: Catastrophic Floods in Valencia

All funds raised through this fundraiser will be transferred directly to the City Council of Paiporta, using the following information that they have publicly provided:

The City Council of Paiporta requests that, from now on, "all aid be channeled in the form of monetary donations, which will allow resources to be managed efficiently and address the specific needs that arise during each phase of recovery."

Donations can be made through the official account of the City Council, "with the assurance that every euro will be under strict supervision and control by the administration, being used exclusively for recovery and assistance efforts."

Source: Municipal Gov of Paiporta Calls for Funding

If you would like to continue to support one of the other incredible causes that has originated as a result of this disaster, I summarized these in another podcast episode (also in English, with relevant links in the description): What You Can Do To Help

Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo (Only the village saves the village)

Or, as we say in Valencian, "Només el poble salva el poble".

To end on a powerful note, I want to highlight the incredible strength and solidarity of the people. Volunteers from Valencia and across Spain dropped everything to help—farmers with tractors cleared mud and debris, while ordinary citizens rescued survivors, delivering food, water, and essentials. This fundraiser is our contribution - but it would go nowhere without your incredible support.

Please share this and continue to raise awareness about this unprecedented catastrophe.

Let’s not forget about all the lives lost and let's continue to have the people who have lost everything in our thoughts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.