Eight months after devastating floods swept through southeastern Spain, the echoes of loss and uncertainty still lingered in the hearts of thousands. For many, the road to recovery seemed endless—until a group of volunteers from ten countries arrived, bringing not only practical assistance but also a sense of renewed hope.
Struggling to Rebuild After the Deluge
In late October and early November 2024, the Valencia region was struck by a catastrophic flood. In just eight hours, a year’s worth of rain fell, transforming the landscape and turning entire neighborhoods into extensions of the Balearic Sea. More than 200 lives were lost, and countless families saw their homes and livelihoods washed away.
Even as the months passed, the challenges of rebuilding remained daunting. “We never imagined you would really come back after all this time,” shared a nun from the Picanya Jesus Church, her voice trembling with emotion as she welcomed the volunteers. “Your return is a surprise for every one of us.”
A Collaborative Effort Across Borders and Faiths
From the earliest days after the disaster, volunteers worked tirelessly to find ways to reach those most in need. With the help of local Taiwanese business leader Yao-Ming Chen (陳耀明), teams from across Europe conducted initial assessments and, over the following eight months, revisited each affected household to understand their ongoing struggles.
Beginning July 10, 2025, 51 volunteers from ten countries gathered in Spain for six consecutive days, distributing cash cards to 3,300 households in five of the hardest-hit cities. These cards provided survivors with the flexibility to address their most urgent needs as they rebuilt their homes and lives.
Because there is no permanent Tzu Chi presence in Spain, most distributions took place in local churches. One particularly moving event was held at the 500-year-old Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Utiel, which opened its doors for the first time to a Buddhist group offering relief. Father Cristobal of the Church remarked, “No religion is more important than another. We live in a free world, and we can work together.”
Acts of Kindness and Shared Humanity
The spirit of mutual aid blossomed in the aftermath of the disaster. Local volunteer Monsalud explained, “To me, helping others is my responsibility. What I gain is not money, but a sense of inner peace.” Many residents, whether or not they were directly affected, stepped forward to assist their neighbors.
Among the recipients was Olga, who had adopted a nine-month-old baby girl from China 22 years ago. “I never imagined that after adopting an Asian daughter, people from Taiwan would come all this way to care for us,” she shared, her eyes brimming with tears.
For Lavra, receiving a cash card meant seeing a path forward: “Thank you! I will keep moving ahead.” Another survivor, Cristina, was overcome with emotion as she was embraced by a volunteer. “I feel the love you have given me. You have helped me so much, and I am deeply touched.”
The final distribution in Picanya saw more than 1,700 households receive assistance. Emilia, the city’s social services director, expressed her gratitude: “I am honored to work with the Tzu Chi Foundation and to be a volunteer myself. Everything went smoothly, and the spirit of the volunteers left a deep impression on me.”
A Community United by Compassion
Though the floodwaters have long receded, the memories of destruction and helplessness remain vivid for many. Yet, the arrival of volunteers and the tangible support they brought have helped survivors believe that no hardship is insurmountable. Through acts of kindness and shared humanity, wounds are soothed and happiness is rekindled.
Written by Chan-Wen Lai (賴展文), Chien-Ting Ou (歐建廷), Chwei Jack Hiew (邱垂傑), Soh Chin Ong (王素真), Fong-Yi Kuo (郭鳳儀), Yu-Chen Pan (潘俞臻)
Source:「你們真的來了！」西班牙世紀洪澇 十國志工發放3300戶
