The aftermath of the Valencia floods

More than two weeks after the floods that swept through the Valencia region of Spain, the streets are still being cleared of mud and debris. More than 220 people are known to have died but many more have lost their homes and businesses.

In our conversations, a family shares their experience of searching for their father and we hear how a mother is struggling to come to terms with the events she witnessed.

“She keeps telling us about the noises,” her daughter, Carmen, says. “The noise of the water, the energy of the water, the noise of the cars smashing into the walls, the noise of people shouting for help, and then all of a sudden you don’t hear those people anymore.”

Meanwhile, recriminations are flying over who is to blame. Officials are facing criticism for failing to issue a weather warning to people’s phones in time, and for the slow mobilisation in the aftermath of the disaster. We bring together three volunteers who have been helping with the rescue effort. They share their frustrations with the government response.

Presenter: Mark Lowen

BBC producers: Iqra Farooq, Laura Cress and Virginia Kelly

Boffin Media producers: Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham

An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC OS team

(Photo shows Roberto Garcia in Valencia with a message for volunteers. Credit: Carmen Garcia)