The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Supports Flood Relief Efforts in Spain’s Valencia Region

(Read this article in Spanish here)

In the aftermath of severe floods caused by the recent DANA storm (the acronym used in Spain for Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos — or high-altitude isolated depression) that hit the Valencia region in Spain on October 29, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has mobilized its members and resources to provide relief to those affected. With homes and communities impacted by flooding, Church leaders and volunteers are working closely with local authorities and organizations to offer immediate assistance and essential supplies.

The Church is dedicated to helping the poor and the needy through extensive humanitarian and relief efforts, inspired by Jesus Christ's teachings to love God and our neighbors. This commitment is rooted in the Church’s belief that every individual is a child of God, deserving compassion, dignity and care.

The Church’s Valencia Spain Stake (similar to a Catholic diocese), under the leadership of President José Luis Barriá Fernandéz, is focused on supporting Church members impacted by the flooding and then reaching out to others. To facilitate cleanup and recovery efforts, the Church has purchased an array of cleaning supplies, including waterproof boots, brushes, squeegees, buckets, shovels and water pumps.

Additionally, the Church has set up a control center at the Valencia stake meetinghouse. This hub, in the neighbourhood of Quatre Carreres of the city of Valencia, will serve as a distribution and coordination site for relief materials. Elder and Sister Lamb and Francisco Serrano, who are assisting with the Church’s response locally, have met with the Valencia Stake President Barriá and finalized arrangements for the control center to start operating. It will also act as a logistical base where other organizations can collect supplies to support their respective relief efforts.

On the morning of November 1, 2024, three vans arrived at the Valencia Control Center, delivering these essential items for distribution to members and community volunteers. A truck with other items also arrived there a few hours later. Members of the Church volunteer their time at the control center, helping in the loading and storing of supplies.

President Barriá said that “Church members have been affected significantly by this flood. At the same time, they are hopeful about the recovery.” He shared that members have witnessed many miracles and are grateful for the overwhelming response of members of the Church from all over Spain, who are willing to help them at this very critical time. “The prayers and concern from members all over the world are greatly appreciated. We will continue to push forward helping the community with its immediate needs and with its long-term recovery,” he concluded.

One member of the Church was killed in the floods and another one is recovering at the hospital with a leg injury. It is estimated that 50 members of the Church have been affected directly. All missionaries of the Church serving in the area are safe and accounted for. About 10,000 members reside in the Valencia autonomous community.

One of the areas affected by the flooding is Catarroja, a municipality with 28,000 inhabitants in the Horta Sud County in Valencia. One of the wards (a larger congregation) of the Valencia stake is based there. The building suffered some damage, the garage and teaching areas on the basement have flooded, windows are broken. Access to the building is problematic, and Sunday worship services will be done online for the next few weeks. A few homes of Church members in that area have also sustained damage. Some of them are completely destroyed.

Elder and Sister Rees, who serve as volunteer missionaries in the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance effort, have also joined the response efforts in Valencia. They are in constant contact with the Valencian Community Emergency Center and are also speaking with local civil authorities in the affected communities to assess current needs and offer the Church’s support. Their efforts are aimed to ensure that both relief supplies and volunteer resources are available to assist local communities in need. They are also working to connect the Church with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that partner with the Valencian Community Emergency Center to coordinate effective assistance.

In response to a list of essential items provided by local authorities, the Church has organized a large purchase of supplies. A portion of these items will be distributed by the City Council of Elche, a city 187 km south from Valencia, where a Church stake is also located. In coordination with the Valencia region, the Elche City Council will also store supplies for the populations impacted by the floods. From there, the supplies will be made available to affected communities as needs arise.

This collaborative approach underscores the Church’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and its readiness to support the people of Spain in their recovery. The Church’s work with civil authorities and NGOs exemplifies its dedication to community welfare and unity, bringing together resources and volunteers to help rebuild and restore the lives of those impacted by this devastating storm.