Rescue and relief work is still ongoing in Spain after ferocious flash floods swept through the regions of Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia last week, claiming over 200 lives and leaving many still unaccounted for.
The death toll from one of Spain's biggest disasters in decades has risen to 217 as of Sunday, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez noting in televised addressed that this was the second-deadliest flood event seen in Europe this century.
Heavy rainfall lashed southern and eastern Spain last Tuesday and Wednesday, delivering vast amounts of water over a short period of time. One town in Valencia was subjected to the equivalent of 20 months' worth of typical rainfall in the space of just eight hours.
While many affected towns have been reached by the military and emergency services, others are still desperate to receive help nearly one week on from the deadly deluge.
A school in La Torre has become a medical center, drop-off and distribution point for basic supplies, as people from the worst hit areas come to get fresh water, milk and other essential hygiene items.
The Mestalla Stadium, home to the Valencia Football Club, has also opened up its doors - with food and water arriving from all over the country ready to be distributed to those in need.
"The response of the people has been absolutely amazing. This is just one of the points where people can bring all kinds of supplies: food, detergents, blankets, whatever -- this is just one point in the city. There are points of reception of this stuff all over the city, all over the region, and they are flooding [in] from everywhere in the country," said Carlos Flores, a member of the Spanish parliament, who was present at one such distribution center.
While authorities continue the search for bodies in underground car parks, an army of volunteers has also turned out to help in the worst-hit areas.
"If we don't come no one will help, people need us here, yesterday gave me goosebumps when I saw Valencia's bridges full of people," said one female volunteer.
"Here the people come to help, because the government don't do the things well," said another man who had come out to assist.
As Spain mourns the many lives lost in the disaster, the determination of the volunteers and the outpouring of help and generosity have offered a ray of light in a dark moment for the country.
Relief efforts continue after devastating Spanish floods claim over 200 lives
