The Catarroja City Council has organized an institutional ceremony to commemorate the second anniversary of the storm, which will take place on October 16. The main event will involve the presentation of 1,300 medals recognizing the participation of professionals, volunteers, and entities in the emergency, assistance, and recovery efforts in the municipality following the floods of October 29, 2024.
The event, to be held at the Catarroja Municipal Pavilion at 6:00 PM, will combine remembrance of the victims and support for their families with public gratitude to all those who mobilized to help the municipality. Mayor Lorena Silvent highlighted the importance of the solidarity received: «This act is, above all, a tribute to the victims and their families, but also a way to thank the hundreds of professionals, volunteers, and neighbors who came from so many places to help us move forward».
Distinctions will be awarded to officers from the Local Police, members of the Security Forces and Corps, and professionals from emergency services from various parts of Spain. Among the collective recognitions are the DANA Medals for the Local Police forces of Badajoz, Elche, and Valencia. The work of the Catarroja Local Police and Civil Protection members will also be acknowledged.
The memory of the storm's victims and support for their families will be a central focus of the tribute. The event will include a floral offering and a minute of silence. Representatives from the Association of Victims DANA October 29, 2024, the Association of Fatal Victims of the DANA 29-O, and the Association of Affected Parties of l'Horta Sud will participate. Rosa Álvarez Gil, a resident of Catarroja and daughter of a fatal victim, will share her testimony.
The recognition will also extend to municipal workers, public service personnel, social entities, and volunteers. The collaboration of municipal teams, essential service companies, healthcare professionals, Civil Protection groups, and organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Cáritas Catarroja, Creu Roja Catarroja, and the Associació Ca La Mare will be honored.
This institutional event marks the beginning of the commemorative program for the second anniversary of the storm, which falls on October 29. The reception of guests will begin at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Pavilion, located at Avenida Diputació Provincial, number 7.
