Bent over in the rice fields, dozens of volunteers in full protective gear responded to the Valencian Ornithological Society's call (SVO) in early December to collect and sort the waste scattered throughout the Albufera Natural Park in Valencia. The Poyo ravine – which was submerged by the devastating flood in the southern suburbs of the regional capital on October 29th – leads into this wetland area by the Mediterranean Sea, home to migratory birds and of immense environmental value.

In the middle of the fields, car wrecks still bore witness to the force of the wave, which left 222 people dead and four missing in the province. After destroying everything in its path, including Silla's industrial and commercial area, its waters carried away tonnes of debris.

Nearly 40 days later, they continue to pollute about 1,000 hectares in the northern part of this 21,000-hectare lagoon, which is listed as a Natura 2000 reserve. "We haven't detected any increase in fish or bird mortality, but we are worried. The fields are strewn with medications, and hydrocarbons and wastewater have been spilled," said Pedro Antonio del Baño, the SVO vice president.

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