The psychological impact of the DANA is still present in the Valencian Community, with a notable increase in trauma consultations. In recent months, specialized units have recorded 887 diagnoses of post-traumatic stress and hundreds of cases of acute stress among the affected population.
Mental health services note a increase of more than 170% in the care of these disorders in ground zero, while a population screening places the prevalence of PTSD at 27,6% eleven months after the episode, with differences by sex.
Impact on attendance and key figures
The seven Trauma Care Units deployed in the departments of La Fe, General, Peset, Arnau, La Ribera, Manises and Requena have treated more than 2.000 people in the last year, of which 842 were for acute stress and 887 for post-traumatic stress.
Despite the growth, the Ministry of Health emphasizes that the overflow initially expected has not occurred: along with the increase in care, a 8,4% decrease in self-harm in emergency departments of the hardest hit regions, a sensitive indicator of suicide risk.
Health response and resource reinforcement
From the first moment they were activated 13 teams and 124 professionals mental health services to intervene on the ground, with more than a thousand people assisted in the affected municipalities. In parallel, the Feria Valencia Events Center, with 55 professionals, provided support to 749 people.
The structural reinforcement of personnel has been key: in September 2024, 200 professionals were incorporated and in August of this year, more were added more than 400 new placesIn the most affected departments, 159 positions have been created (129 of them care-related), representing a 46% increase in the care workforce.
To avoid bottlenecks, the direct referral from Primary Care to trauma units, without waiting lists for initial specialized care.
Early detection and care for children and schools
In the educational centers of the affected areas have been deployed 30 psychologists in Early Detection Units, which has treated 562 schoolchildren since December, prioritizing cases with anxiety, complex grief, and risk of self-harm.
The performances seek prevent the transition from acute to post-traumatic stress through early identification, ongoing monitoring, and support for teachers and families in emotional management.
What we know about the prevalence of PTSD after DANA
The Ministry of Health has carried out an epidemiological screening on a sample of 2.275 people with AI-assisted interviews (August 13-September 30), residents of the most affected municipalities and aged between 18 and 70.
Preliminary data indicate a prevalence of 27,6% and differences by sex (24,6% men; 30,5% women). These figures are lower than some international studies on benchmark floods, such as those in England or the Ahr Valley (Germany), where values ​​close to 30% or higher have been observed, depending on the context of the damage.
The official balance clarifies that the screenings may reveal possible false positives in screening, so healthcare photography—without waiting lists in trauma—provides context for interpreting the real magnitude of clinical demand.
Addiction prevention and community support
The Community Prevention Units for Addictive Behaviors in ground zero have received a increase of 35% and 538.380 euros In the latest call, preference was given to the most affected municipalities and associations.
In addition, the emotional well-being and school prevention program against addictions has added more than a thousand centers registered, configuring one of the largest recent preventive deployments in the Community.
Next steps: reference center in Picanya
The Ministry is working on a Reference Center for Complex Trauma Care in AlquerÃa de Moret (Picanya), with an estimated investment of 1,2 million euros, for people affected by the floods and other vulnerable groups, such as women victims of gender violence and minors.
The device will have qualified team with specific training in major disasters—including training provided by international specialists—and selection criteria geared toward profiles with experience in complex trauma.
The combination of more human resources, agile access circuits and continuous epidemiological surveillance is allowing Containing the impact of PTSD after DANA and strengthen assistance, with a view to medium and long-term emotional recovery and physical recovery and home organization, so that no one is left out of the system.
