In recent months, many families in the Comunidad Valenciana have been forced to leave their homes. The cause isn’t just the destruction left behind by the powerful dana (dana Alice), but also the severe psychological impact that lingers long after the event.
Miguel Asensi Bou, who has lived in Alfafar all his life, can no longer stay in his hometown. Every time the rainy season arrives, his health rapidly declines. He prefers to spend time in Ciudad Real, where his son lives, and where he can calmly walk with his grandchildren without fearing another disaster. Stories like his are becoming more common among residents of the affected areas.
According to regional health services, over the past year, the number of acute and post-traumatic stress cases in areas hit by the disaster has nearly doubled. People who experienced the flood often struggle with anxiety and recurring nightmares. Some, like Rosalba Yonda, have been forced to leave their rural homes and move to larger cities, hoping to start over and shield themselves from memories of the tragedy.
Recovery work is still underway in Alfafar. The streets and houses still bear the scars of the recent disaster. For many families, returning to their former lives has proven impossible. Borja Chirivella, who lost his home in the flood, decided to move his children to El Perelló to protect them from the constant sense of anxiety and sadness that now fills their hometown.
Children and Climate Threats
There is growing concern about the impact on children. According to international organizations, nearly all minors in the region experience extreme weather events at least once a year. This makes the Valencian Community one of the most vulnerable areas in Spain. Psychological trauma suffered in childhood can haunt them for years to come.
Experts note that symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder often appear several months after the incident. In the areas hit hardest, there has been a clear increase in such cases. People seek peace far from places where they once felt safe.
A Problem That Extends Beyond the Region
The problem of forced relocation due to flooding is becoming ever more relevant, not only for Spain but worldwide. By the end of 2024, specialists estimate that around 3.5 million people globally have been forced to leave their homes because of such disasters. In Valencia, the consequences left by Alice have become yet another reminder of how fragile everyday life can be in the face of natural threats.
While some continue fighting to restore their cities, others look for a new home and hope for a peaceful future. But for many, returning to their former lives is no longer possible—the memories and the fear of disaster striking again are too strong.
