Action contre la Faim’s emergency response in the areas affected by storm DANA

Action Against Hunger is responding to the emergency caused by storm DANA in several municipalities in the province of Valencia, coordinating the distribution of basic necessities such as basic hygiene items, food, baby kits, flashlights and reflective vests. To reduce the risk of infection, we also distributed masks, hydro-alcoholic gel, gloves and cleaning kits.

Noelia Monge, Head of the Action Against Hunger emergency team, visited the affected areas in the municipalities of Masanasa, Catarroja and Albal. “It’s very difficult to move around the area because everything is flooded,” she comments. “It is essential to provide masks, hydroalcoholic gels and gloves because of the risk of disease or infection from the accumulated mud and dead bodies that are likely to be discovered in the coming days.” 

The danger of infections due to stagnant water increases considerably after 72 hours. This accumulation of water can create favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogens and disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents. There is also a risk of contamination of drinking water if it is mixed with wastewater. Diseases of concern include bacterial gastroenteritis, hepatitis A and mosquito-borne diseases.

In order to safely dispose of the sludge extracted from houses and garages, we are conducting a sanitary waste management assessment and have distributed industrial debris bags in Massanassa. “Under no circumstances should mud be dumped in the streets, as it is a possible source of infection,” explains Noelia Monge.

Our teams set up two mud extraction stations and prepared to send in water pumps and other emergency equipment to prevent possible infections caused by accumulated mud and other health risks. A further 17 mud and water extraction facilities are due to be installed later today. In addition, we plan to carry out an analysis of energy requirements (petrol, diesel, etc.), mobilize additional domestic water pumps, install hand-washing stations and implement awareness-raising activities on the fight against infectious diseases.