‘No one knew it was going to be that bad’
Bawnboy native Leigha Plunkett (22) has been living in Valencia for just over a year. With recent catastropic flooding in the city she has grown to love, the English Language Assistant has been “above your ankles” in mud helping the local community.
Speaking from her home just outside the city in Patraix on Monday afternoon, Leigha described the sense of anger, fear and devastation left in the wake of floods that have killed over 200 people, with rescuers searching for survivors.
While the country's Prime Minister has ordered 10,000 more troops and police to the city, Leigha outlined how it seems to be volunteers who are doing the brunt of the work in a community left without electricity, water and food.
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Scenes of devastation and destruction on the streets as volunteers try to sort through the rubble.Image 2 of 5
Scenes of devastation and destruction on the streets as volunteers try to sort through the rubble.Image 3 of 5
Scenes of devastation and destruction on the streets as volunteers try to sort through the rubble.Image 4 of 5
Scenes of devastation and destruction on the streets as volunteers try to sort through the rubble.Image 5 of 5
Róża Małolepsza, Samira Zaiter, Leigha Plunkett and Claire Milne.“All the help that’s coming is from the residents of Spain and people who live in the city or in different cities,” she outlined.
“Everyone’s so angry because they’ve been given absolutely no help, people were trapped in their homes for 48 hours and no one came to save them.”
Leigha believes “the only reason” people have food and water now is down to donations from “the people of Spain” who are collecting food, giving out water and providing help.
“The only help they’re getting is from the people and not the government,” she claimed, adding that yesterday [Sunday] was the first day there was a visible army presence in the city.
“Even at that, it wasn't strong enough.”
“They were completely trapped and neglected and let down by the people who were meant to help them.”
Once a vibrant, multicultural hub of people meeting at cafes and going about their day, Leigha describes a very different reality for the community now.
In “badly hit” areas “thick mud” dominates the streets with salvaged furniture from homes, dead animals, broken glass and cars “piled on top of each other".
“There’s just people, literally looking for their loved ones in those cars.”
“It’s a complete mess, nowhere is safe,” she described, adding how there is no clear route to walk into the city anymore.
“Just imagine - thousands of people have just lost their homes, they’re trying to clear out their homes and there’s water damage everywhere.”
For full interview consult tomorrow's newspaper.