UPDATE: Many volunteers were turned away as the buses reached capacity. Worse some volunteers arrived only to learn that there was no police escort and that they therefore could not help with clean up efforts.
It’s frustrating. But the best way to help is probably to coordinate with an established charity (try Caritas or Red Cross) or through a local neighborhood association bringing help in.
If I find specific groups, I’ll post them here
This is the situation in Alfafar right now. A mix of residents, volunteers and emergency services trying to get through.
The response has been extraordinary—so many people have shown up to volunteer in the flood-affected areas that the sheer number is now a logistical challenge. This video shows the scale of the response.
The government is running additional bus routes to transport volunteers, but with such high turnout, it’s taking longer than expected to get everyone where they need to be.
Volunteers with medical training or emergency service experience are being prioritized.
If you’re volunteering, please bring your patience and plan to wait. Be sure to pack all essentials: supplies, food, water, and portable chargers if you can.
Good luck!