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In the wake of severe floods caused by the recent DANA storm that struck Spain's Valencia region on October 29, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has mobilized its members and resources to aid those affected. Homes and communities have been significantly impacted by the flooding, prompting Church leaders and volunteers to collaborate with local authorities and organizations to provide immediate assistance and essential supplies.
The Church is committed to humanitarian efforts inspired by Jesus Christ's teachings. This commitment stems from the belief that every person is a child of God deserving compassion and care.
Under President José Luis Barriá Fernandéz's leadership, the Church’s Valencia Spain Stake focuses on supporting its members before extending help to others. To assist in cleanup and recovery, the Church has acquired various cleaning supplies such as waterproof boots, brushes, squeegees, buckets, shovels, and water pumps.
A control center has been established at the Valencia stake meetinghouse in Quatre Carreres neighborhood. Elder and Sister Lamb and Francisco Serrano are assisting locally with the Church’s response. They have met with President Barriá to finalize arrangements for operating this center as a distribution site for relief materials. It will also serve as a logistical base for other organizations collecting supplies.
On November 1, three vans delivered essential items to the Valencia Control Center for distribution. A truck followed later with additional supplies. Volunteers at the control center assist in loading and storing these items.
President Barriá noted that "Church members have been affected significantly by this flood." He acknowledged their hopefulness about recovery due to witnessing many miracles and expressed gratitude for support from fellow Church members across Spain: “The prayers and concern from members all over the world are greatly appreciated."
One church member died in the floods while another is hospitalized with a leg injury; approximately 50 members were directly affected. All missionaries in the area are safe. Around 10,000 church members reside in Valencia.
Catarroja is one of several areas hit hard by flooding; it hosts a ward within Valencia stake which sustained damage including flooded basements causing disruption necessitating online worship services temporarily due access issues alongside damaged homes belonging congregants some completely destroyed
Elder & Sister Rees volunteer missionaries working welfare self-reliance joined response effort maintaining contact Valencian Community Emergency Center liaising civil authorities assessing needs ensuring relief supplies volunteer resources available connecting NGOs partnering effective assistance
Responding local authority requests large purchase organized portion distributed City Council Elche city located south coordinating storage future distribution populations requiring aid demonstrating collaborative approach underscores dedication humanitarian efforts readiness support Spain recovery through partnerships civil entities NGO exemplifying unity rebuilding restoring lives impacted devastating storm
