In the aftermath of deadly flash floods that swept through eastern Spain, over 217 people have been confirmed dead, and many remain unaccounted for as rescue and recovery efforts intensify. Among the hardest-hit areas are the regions surrounding Valencia, where families continue to seek loved ones who disappeared amid the devastation. Social media, specifically a page called DANA Desaparecidos, has become a vital tool for the public to share images and information about those still missing.

Photos shared on DANA Desaparecidos capture what were once happy moments: a father with his children, family pets, and teenagers posing for selfies. Now, each image represents a plea for help as desperate families post about loved ones who vanished when floodwaters surged through towns and cut off entire communities. While the Spanish government has set up a hotline for reporting missing persons, it has been overwhelmed by the volume of calls, leaving many to rely on platforms like DANA Desaparecidos to disseminate details.

One of the recent posts shows a photo of a woman identified as Mila, last seen leaving the town of Picanya. Another is of a family pet missing since the floods hit. The page, created by Alba Lozano Asencio and her boyfriend Luciano Esguerra, has led to the recovery of around 30 people and numerous pets so far. When someone is found, a post labeled “Localizado” (located) is shared, providing a rare glimmer of hope amid the tragedy. Now, the page is also receiving requests for help with flood cleanup as communities begin the slow path to recovery.

Royal Visit Sparks Outrage Amid Frustrations Over Crisis Response

The Spanish government’s response has faced mounting criticism, with some residents expressing frustration at what they describe as a slow and disorganized effort. This frustration boiled over during a recent visit by King Felipe and Queen Letizia to Paiporta, one of the areas hardest hit by the floods. Crowds reportedly shouted “murderers” and threw mud as the royals arrived, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also facing backlash before being whisked away by security.

In response to the growing anger, the government announced it would deploy an additional 2,500 troops to assist with relief efforts in the affected regions. This is in addition to the 5,000 soldiers already sent to distribute food, assist with cleanup, and protect local stores from looting. Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasized that the government is committed to addressing residents’ needs during this crisis.

Volunteers Step Up as Weather Warnings Persist

Despite the government deployment, thousands of volunteers from across Spain have also joined relief efforts, with many traveling on foot through mud and debris to reach affected areas. “Frustrating is the word,” said Francisco Bosque, one volunteer. “You feel completely powerless. All you can do is come here and show up.” Another volunteer, 18-year-old Pedro de Juan, echoed this sentiment, adding, “The military and police are helping, but not as much as we hoped.”

The threat from the weather is not yet over. Spain’s national meteorological agency AEMET has issued additional alerts for heavy rain in Barcelona and the provinces of Castellon, Valencia, and Alicante, warning that more sudden flooding could impact already devastated areas. Early Monday morning, Barcelona’s El Prat Airport reported major disruptions, with 50 flights canceled and more than a dozen others diverted due to flooding on the premises. Video footage circulating on social media showed water flooding parts of the airport terminal, with passengers wading through inches of water.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, residents and authorities remain on high alert for further storms, navigating a balance between ongoing relief work and precautions for more potential floods in the coming days.