Action Against Hunger, with its extensive experience responding to international humanitarian crises, has been on the ground since the early hours of southern Spain’s emergency, assisting flood-stricken communities across Valencia. In response to the mounting public health risk, the organisation is installing hand-washing points and clearing blocked sewer systems to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases in heavily impacted areas like Catarroja, Masanasa, Paiporta, and Alfafar.
Health risks grow with stagnant floodwaters
Floodwaters and accumulated mud have created an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and rodents, which carry diseases like leptospirosis and other gastrointestinal infections. Already, there are reports of gastroenteritis and skin infections among local residents.
Pablo Alcalde, Action Against Hunger’s Water and Sanitation Manager, warns, “With water stagnation, vectors such as mosquitoes thrive, raising the risk of disease transmission. Additionally, contact with contaminated floodwaters can lead to skin infections and other health complications.”
Setting up hand-washing points to reduce infection
To mitigate these risks, Action Against Hunger is setting up hand-washing stations at food distribution centres and other areas affected by the worst of the flooding. The first of these points is located in Paiporta’s command centre, followed by stations at sites in Alfafar and Masanasa. In areas without safe water access, tanker trucks will supply water for hand-washing, essential for preventing infectious diseases. Local volunteers will help carry out hygiene awareness campaigns, teaching residents about hand-washing, proper footwear use to avoid tracking mud, and avoiding unclean water sources.
“We’re training volunteers to pass on critical hygiene messages to the public, like washing hands fives times a day, using waterproof boots and and consuming only chlorinated or bottled water. Our goal is to reduce the spread of infectious diseases as much as possible during this critical time,” says Alcalde.
Clearing blockages and restoring sewer functionality
Alongside these preventive measures, Action Against Hunger is actively working to clear mud and debris from the sewer systems in affected municipalities. Suction trucks will be deployed to remove sludge, with all extracted waste transported to designated disposal sites. For areas where sludge is especially dense, water will be added to facilitate extraction and ensure effective drainage.
“Keeping the sewer systems functioning is essential, particularly with the risk of further rains,” adds Alcalde. “Our teams are working with local authorities to maximise sewage system capacity and prevent future blockages.”
Action Against Hunger is committed to supporting Valencia’s recovery, focusing on the immediate needs of sanitation and waste management to protect public health and reduce the spread of disease in the wake of these devastating floods.
Notes to the editors
- Action Against Hunger has spokespeople available to speak about the impact of the floods in southern Spain, and our emergency response. Please contact Jack at j.seal@actionagainsthunger.org.uk to arrange.
- Additional photos, videos and audio files showing the humanitarian situation in the Valencia region and Action Against Hunger response can be accessed here.