Good Morning! ? Welcome to your mid-week news update for Valencia’s international community.
Air Quality Concerns
Doctors are raising alarms about deteriorating air quality in Valencia since the recent floods, citing a rise in respiratory problems. The issue, as Las Provincias explains, stems from river mud left behind by the floods, which has dried and turned into airborne dust particles that can affect lung health.
Read more from Las Provincias.
The Generalitat is monitoring air quality levels, warning that over a million residents could be affected. Doctors recommend extra precautions, like wearing masks, especially for individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Details from Levante.
Managing Reconstruction and Preparing for the Future
Gan Pampols, Valencia’s newly appointed head of flood reconstruction, held his first press conference, criticizing the existing alert system and vowing to create a more coordinated emergency response plan. His tenure has already sparked controversy over his salary.
Coverage from Levante.
Valencia is also moving to amend the Huerta Law, which governs the agricultural zones surrounding the city. Proposed changes include accelerating work on re-channeling the Poyo ravine, the Turia River, and other tributaries to mitigate future flood risks.
Levante has the full story.
However, Las Provincias points out that some of these infrastructure projects could have mitigated the recent disaster had they been completed earlier.
Read more from Las Provincias.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway to reclassify urban development near ravines and floodplains, as overdevelopment in these areas has heightened the risk to residents. The debate has sparked political tensions about rebuilding strategies.
Analysis from El País.
Transportation Update
MetroValencia services are gradually resuming:
- Fully operational: Lines 3, 5, and 9
- Partial service: Lines 1, 2, and 7
- Line 1: Bétera ? Plaza España
- Line 2: Paterna ? Plaza España
- Line 7: Marítim ? Sant Isidre
For detailed updates and substitute bus services, visit the MetroValencia website.
Unfortunately, Valencia Plaza reports that service to L’Eliana will remain suspended until at least Christmas. A bus shuttle service continues between L’Eliana and Ángel Guimerá station.
Call for Volunteers
Flood recovery efforts are ongoing, and the Generalitat is calling for volunteers to help distribute aid from December 6–8. Buses will depart from the City of Arts and Sciences, but spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
- Register at the Som Solidaritat website.
- Tickets will also be available via EnterTickets. (To be updated)
For a list of charities and other ways to contribute, check out the Flood Recovery Resources Page.
Holiday Weekend and Christmas Events
This week brings two public holidays:
- Friday, December 6: Constitution Day (schools and markets closed).
- Sunday, December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Stay tuned for a separate post covering the Christmas lights switch-on, festive markets, and other weekend activities of the holiday season! ?