Valencia, volunteers continue to shovel mud non-stop (also playing music)

Following the devastating effects of the torrential rains that hit the Valencian Community, thousands of volunteers came to offer their help in the areas most affected by DANA. Solidarity manifested itself in an extraordinary way, with people from all over Spain who are dedicating themselves to cleaning, removing mud and recovering the roads.

Videos and photos follow one another on social media, showing all the efforts of these mud angels. Ordinary people, young, old, soldiers, psychologists to provide assistance from a mental health point of view and bring comfort. All “armed” with boots, a shovel and a lot of good will.

The local administration has activated various measures to coordinate effortscreating digital platforms such as Som Solidaritatwhich centralize offers of help, whether of a material or human nature. Many municipalities have mainly requested cleaning equipmentsuch as rubber boots, safety glasses and safety gloves, and there is no need for clothing or food at this time.

However, it is essential that volunteers comply with protection measuresas the accumulated mud can be dangerous for health. Alongside the groups of volunteers, the security forces and the Civil Protection are working to ensure that aid reaches the most isolated and difficult to reach areas promptly, such as the municipalities of Horta Sud. The Generalitat has also opened numerous logistics centers for the management and distribution of donations efficiently, avoiding the chaos that often accompanies emergency situations of this magnitude.

Mike Churches and his “Father & Son” in the mud

Alongside the volunteers who work tirelessly to clean up the streets and neighborhoods, there are also moments of humanity that emerge amid the tragedy. In Massanassa, for example, the artist Mike Churches he gave life to an improvisation musical performance during one of the breaks from rescue work.

With songs like “Father & Son” by Cat Stevens, brought some comfort to the volunteers and residents, who responded with great emotion and gratitude. Music, in such a difficult context, had the power to unite the communityoffering a break from hard work and a sense of hope.

Despite the weight of the situation, Mike Churches’ initiative demonstrates how art can play a therapeutic rolecapable of lifting spirits in a moment of great suffering just like when it happened in Emilia with the volunteers who gathered to sing “Romagna Mia”.

Many messages of appreciation for the artist and for all those who are mobilizing to lend a hand in such a difficult context. It is a sign that, even in the darkest moments, music and solidarity have the power to do so mucha lot, for those who no longer have anything.