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On October 29, 2024, Valencia was struck by a severe flood, a natural disaster that transformed streets into raging rivers and presented extreme challenges for the city. Right in the middle of Valencia, we experienced firsthand how quickly daily life can plunge into chaos and how people come together during a crisis. This day, which hit the southeast of Spain especially hard, will remain in our memories as one of the most intense floods in recent years.
Usually, we witness natural disasters from a safe distance in the news, but that day was different. We experienced the heavy rainfall up close, and as we waded through knee-deep water, we felt the fragility of our daily lives. The flood showed us how uncontrollable natural forces can be and how quickly the security of the familiar can turn into chaos.
The day began like any other. But around noon, thick clouds gathered, and the rain showed no signs of stopping. Within hours, the streets turned into raging rivers, sweeping away cars, trash cans, and debris. The water rose quickly, and the city was suddenly in a state of emergency. We stood there in disbelief, watching the scale of it all, feeling as helpless as everyone else trying to reach dry ground.
Experiencing the water rising relentlessly is frightening. The people around us were either frozen in shock or frantically trying to reach safety. Some families struggled to carry their children to higher ground, while others tried to salvage belongings from their flooded homes. In these moments, you realize just how powerless you are against nature—and that in times of crisis, it’s often only the community that provides support.
As the floodwaters rose, the first rescue teams sprang into action. We watched as helicopters circled above us, and saw rescue crews navigating the streets in boats. It was especially moving to witness how neighbors held together, helping one another while rescue teams evacuated the elderly and families from the most dangerous areas. There was a profound sense of community, giving us the strength to persevere despite the challenging conditions.
It raises the question of why such weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. Many people we’ve spoken to suspect that climate change plays a significant role. The sudden shift in weather and the extreme rainfall levels are warning signs that our climate is changing. This is likely a topic that will concern us even more in the future—showing us just how urgent it is to take action.
After the flood, Valencia was a changed city. But what remains in our memory is not just the water, but the solidarity and mutual support among people. Strangers who barely knew each other offered help, families provided shelter, and rescue teams worked around the clock. These are the moments that make us realize just how crucial community is during a crisis.
For us, October 29 will always be the day we stood amid the chaos but also witnessed the strength and unity of our neighborhood up close. After every storm, there’s sunshine—and Valencia will surely recover as a resilient, united community. Despite this natural disaster, Valencia remains a beautiful and vibrant city with countless highlights.
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Your Steffi & Marius
Wir sind zwei deutsche Auswanderer und auf emigres-life nehmen wir Dich mit auf unsere Reise in ein neues Leben.
In unserem Projekt schwingt das Pendel meist in Richtung stressig oder chaotisch und weniger in Richtung tiefenentspannt.
Wenn du also wissen willst, in welches Fettnäpfchen wir als nächstes treten oder welche Hürden vor uns liegen und wie wir sie überwinden, dann bleib dran.
Allerheiligen und der Día de Todos los Santos