The Valencian Community faces the sixth day after the passage of the devastating DANA that has already claimed the lives of more than 200 people only in that territory (210, according to data from the Emergency Center of the Generalitat), three in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Malaga. Almost a week later, the Valencian people still need a lot of help to cope with the catastrophe:“There is still a lot to do, do not forget this in two days“, is one of the most repeated requests that we have been able to read in the personal accounts of some of those affected.
The wave of solidarity throughout the country has been noticed in the massive pilgrimage of volunteers who have gone from the first moment to the places hardest hit by the DANA -in one of the bridges where we have seen them crossing these days has appeared a sign: “Passarel-la de L’esperança”-, in the dissemination of information on social networks -important to check, before echoing, that it comes from reliable and verified sources- and also in the donations (both economic and material) that are being made from all over Spain.
Below is a list of the products and foodstuffs that are most needed at the moment. The information in this article is based on data from the Generalitat Valenciana, the Madrid City Council and messages from the neighbors themselves from the field.
What is most needed to donate at this time?
Food
In general, plenty of water and food (non-perishable) are still essential: in the most remote villages there are people who are being able to eat thanks to what people bring them, although they point out that “they cannot accumulate things at home if they cannot clean them first”.
When donating, it is important to take into account all the needs, such as those of people with celiac disease, allergies, intolerances or those who follow a vegan diet (it is important to remember that many of the foods we eat every day are vegan).
Baby food such as formula milk is also needed.
Products
As for products, due to the dangers of infection and intoxications that have been warned of these days what is most needed are supplies of items such as bandages, work gloves, masks – “Now we have the problem of infections and all pharmacies are bursting”, explains a neighbor of Aldaia- and wellington boots for adults.
Also, in a video published yesterday afternoon, the City Council of the capital specified that they need buckets, shovels, rakes and “all kinds of material” to help remove the mud and water, such as water pumps and hoses, according to those affected.
Not forgetting that personal and daily hygiene products are also required.
What about medicines?
The Very Illustrious College of Pharmacists of Valencia (MICOF) has on its website a map of pharmacies that are operational in real time in the province of Valencia, “so that anyone who needs their medication can approach the nearest one they have to their home,” they point out.
On the other hand, in a publication of the MICOF on Saturday, November 2, they assure that “the dispensing of medicines is assured” and from the General Directorate of Pharmacy they ask the citizenship that, despite the good will with which it is done, “refrain from donating medicines” since their supply “must follow the channels established by the Conselleria de Sanidad to ensure the quality and traceability of the same to patients”.
In the case of chronic patients Health, Red Cross and the College of Pharmacists of Valencia have enabled today the phone 965 918 658 to facilitate access to their medication (which will be automatically renewed). In addition, they remind that those who have lost their health card can pick up their medication by indicating their ID card number.
Services
On the other hand, in addition to products and food, some services are also very necessary. For example, affected neighbors of Aldaia inform Madrid Secreto that many plumbers are needed:“We have muddy pipes and the water doesn’t come because of that“, explains one of the neighbors of the town.
The Conselleria de Sanitat de la Generalitat Valenciana has published this guide with recommendations to take into account after floods in terms of drinking water and food, how to protect yourself during clean-up and waste management or how to keep properly informed: always through official channels.
Where can you donate in Madrid?
The Community of Madrid has also joined the solidarity with those affected by the disaster by setting up donation and collection points for food and materials both from public institutions such as the City Council of the capital and from neighborhood associations, soccer clubs or small businesses. You can consult them in this article which is constantly updated.