Following the wave of bad weather that hit the regions of the Valencian Community and Andalusia, causing hundreds of deaths and missing people, the Order of Malta in Spain immediately deployed its own forces to help and comfort the population.

The Order of Malta’s volunteers in Valencia have already carried out several interventions in the most affected areas. In coordination with the emergency services, the Order has concentrated its efforts on distributing food and clothing to the most damaged areas and has started up a fund-raising campaign.

Storm DANA (Depresion aislada en niveles altos – isolated low-pressure system at high levels) has left a trail of devastation in several areas of the Valencia Community, as well as in other regions such as Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia. Heavy rains have caused floods that have destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure, leaving many families in dire need.

The situation in the affected areas is described as “catastrophic”. In addition to material losses, the tragedy is compounded by the grief of those who have lost loved ones or have seen their livelihoods completely destroyed. Along with the volunteers, the presence of Don Miguel Navarro, the Order’s Magistral Chaplain, enabled many people to confess. “We have prayed especially for what will remain after all this,” said Pedro Ribelles, member of the Order of Malta’s delegation in Valencia, moved by his experience of service.