KINGNEWSWIRE // Valencia, Spain – Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) have so far coordinated more than 3,000 hours of volunteer work in Valencia and volunteer applications continue to grow, with many more needed . Valencia VMs clean streets, houses, garages, deliver food, clothes and tools, all thanks to the solidarity of the Scientology network in Spain, joined by friends and relatives, and generous support of the International Association of Scientologists, with more and more volunteers arriving to help save and rebuild “normal life” as much as possible.
On October 29, 2024, Spain faced a catastrophic hydrological disaster when a cold drop, or DANA, triggered torrential rains across the region, particularly devastating up to 65 villages in and around the province of Valencia . This isolated high-level depression, classified as a “mesoscale convective system”, resulted in staggering rainfall totals, with some areas recording more than 600 liters per square meter. The AVAMET observatory in Turís (Valencia) recorded a staggering 640.8 l/m², while the one in Chiva recorded 600.2 l/m², causing rivers and ravines along the Mediterranean coast to overflow . The consequences were tragic; at least 217 people were lost – 211 in Valencia, as well as victims in Castile-La Mancha and Andalusia – while material damage is expected to be significant. This event is among the worst hydrological disasters in the world. SpainThe city’s history recalls previous calamitous events such as those in Vallés and Biescas.
Video from the EFE Agency, broadcast in Spanish newspaper ABC.
But as the waters rose and the challenges increased, thousands upon thousands of volunteers also demonstrated humanity and resilience. Frontline responders, including the Red Cross, Caritas, Civil Defense and others, include Scientology Volunteer Ministers, whose bright yellow shirts have become synonymous with hope and support in disaster areas around the world. . These volunteers have mobilized tirelessly, providing essential assistance, logistical support and emotional comfort to those whose lives have been turned upside down.
In the face of crisis, the courage of the human spirit becomes a powerful force – and in Valencia (SPAIN), this spirit is shared and strengthened through community efforts, international aid and dedicated volunteering.
The Valencia floods: scale of the disaster
While the capital itself appears physically spared from the disaster, residential areas and businesses in around 65 villages in the province are now unrecognizable, buried under murky waters which continue to obstruct the passage of people and cars. Media reports that more than 200 people have died, thousands have disappeared and thousands more have been forced to evacuate, many of whom are now living in precarious conditions as emergency shelters reach maximum capacity and Many new improvised shelters are appearing thanks to the goodwill of neighboring towns. and villages.
For many, the path to safety has been rocky. Families have been separated, elderly residents are stranded and, with roads heavily congested, some have had no choice but to start drawing water from garages and underground passages themselves. Yet amid these scenes of despair, a concerted effort by local authorities, humanitarian groups, improvised volunteers and Scientology Volunteer Ministers gave a glimmer of hope to the town.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers: A History of Service
The Volunteer Ministers program, an outreach initiative of the Church of Scientology, was created in the early 1970s by Scientology’s founder. L. Ron Hubbard. Designed to provide humanitarian assistance in crisis areas, Volunteer Ministers have served as a bridge of aid and comfort for decades. Their motto, as established by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, is “Something Can Be Done About It,” and it captures the very essence of their mission: the belief that in the face of adversity , proactive support can always offer a way forward.
These yellow-shirted volunteers have been present in some of the world’s most challenging disaster scenarios, from Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquakes, the 2011 Fukushima disaster and many others, including Turkey, Morocco, Italy, Czech Republic and many others. Equipped with specialized emergency response training and a compassionate philosophy, VMs have earned a reputation as reliable responders. They work collaboratively with other humanitarian groups, tailoring their efforts to meet the particular needs of each crisis.
In Valencia, the VMs were among the first to respond, coordinating their efforts with Civil Protection’s local emergency services, and provided the necessary shelter and support to the internationally renowned Mexican rescue team of “Los Topos “. Their contributions range from distributing essential supplies – food, water, blankets, boots, clothing, heavy machinery and even toys – to providing emotional support to those grappling with the loss of their homes, their livelihoods and a sense of security.
Coordinate with “Los Topos”: an international aid alliance
Alongside the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, the arrival of “Los Topos” (the Moles), an elite Mexican rescue team, bolstered relief efforts. Recognized for their exceptional urban search and rescue skills, particularly under collapsed buildings and rubble, Los Topos have coordinated with VMs, regional authorities and rescue workers, to maximize the scope of their support. In Valencia, their expertise provides invaluable hope, particularly for evacuating residents stuck in partially submerged structures or reaching isolated communities.
The connection between Volunteer Ministers and Los Topos goes back several years, and their shared history of disaster response has allowed them to develop a harmonious working relationship. Topos, named for their ability to “tunnel” through debris and difficult terrain, are widely recognized for their courage and commitment in some of the world’s most daunting rescue scenarios. In Valencia, their arrival has brought renewed hope to those still waiting to be rescued, as well as to families impatiently awaiting news of their loved ones.
Stories of resilience and hope
In flood-ravaged neighborhoods, survivors speak of the warmth and dedication shown by volunteer ministers.
The VMs set up a coordination center and storage location as well as a relief station to receive and distribute donated materials. They also help coordinate spaces for affected people to rest, receive supplies, and find comfort, as well as assist impromptu volunteers from around the country and world, so they have spaces to sleep. VMs provide information and networking for families to learn about their options, find temporary shelter, and meet volunteers who lend a sympathetic ear. Many are deeply moved by the heartfelt care and support they receive from volunteer ministers.
“These people gave me hope when I thought there was none left,” shared one of the flood victims. “They didn’t just give me a blanket and food: they stayed and listened to me. It made all the difference.
A united front against adversity
The strength of Valencia’s response lies in its people: local residents and international allies who stand side by side in the face of immense challenges. Volunteer Ministers and Los Topos illustrate the powerful synergy that can emerge when individuals, communities and humanitarian groups work together. Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds but share a common goal: to be there for others, whatever the circumstances.
Although Valencia’s road to recovery will be long, the support pouring in from all corners of the world is a reminder of our collective humanity. And as the city faces the daunting task of rebuilding, it does so knowing it is not alone.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding with Hope
As the mud and water slowly recede, the focus shifts from rescue to rebuilding. The volunteer ministers pledged to stay in Valencia for as long as necessary, pledging not only to provide immediate disaster relief but also to long-term recovery efforts. Their presence will be critical as residents return to save their homes and try to rebuild their lives.
For now, amid the uncertainty, there is hope. It is a hope carried by every volunteer who reaches out, by every rescuer who pulls someone from danger, and by every community member who remains steadfast. The people of Valencia are not alone in the face of this catastrophe: they are supported by a global network of compassion, resilience and unwavering support.
Originally published in The European Times.
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