Feeling abandoned after historic floods, Valencians press on with cleanup effort

People across Valencia are coming together as they continue the clean-up effort after last week's massive flooding which killed at least 217 people in eastern Spain.

Almost seven days after flash floods came crashing through the streets of Valencia and its surrounding towns, the situations remains dramatic, and government aid is scarce.

Volunteers set up medical points and food distribution points throughout the town. "Task forces of volunteers have been sent. Groups of doctors and nurses knocking door to door asking about people’s health," Carlos Moya, a volunteer nurse said.

But many people feel abandoned by authorities. "The street here was full of piled cars. Nobody came," resident Ana Isabel Zomeno, complained.

Spain is used to autumn storms that can lead to flooding, but the latest ones have produced the deadliest flooding in living memory for Spaniards.

Last Tuesday, in a matter of minutes, flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain swept away almost everything in their path.

With no time to react, people were trapped in vehicles, homes and businesses. Many died and thousands of livelihoods were shattered.

The damage recalled the aftermath of a tsunami, with survivors left to pick up the pieces as they mourn their loved ones.

Ninety kilometers of regional railway line were destroyed by the floods. It will take months to get back to normal.