Dear university community,
These days we have followed with great pain the devastating effects of DANA that has devastated several areas of Spain, the Valencian Community and, in an extreme way, the province of Valencia. We are facing a catastrophe that possibly exceeds the flood of ’57 and most of those that our country has experienced in recent history. The number of human losses is heartbreaking, and from the Universitat Politècnica de València we accompany their families and friends in their pain.
The material damage is incalculable, and many people are experiencing very difficult and dramatic situations. Among them there are also colleagues from our university community whom we will support and accompany so that they can recover as much normality as possible as soon as possible. The solidarity of our university community encompasses all the people affected by this catastrophe.
Following the evolution of DANA, and the successive updates of the weather forecast that occurred after October 25, and following instructions from the authorities, we have been taking a series of measures to adapt our operation in order to minimize the risks and, To the extent possible, continue responding to our obligation as a public service. Our campuses have not suffered any significant damage during this DANA episode, and have always been a safe place for our staff and students, as well as external personnel participating in all types of events. In recent days, these measures have been reported through the different communication channels of the UPV.
However, an important part of our university community resides in heavily affected areas and finds themselves in painful and very difficult situations. For this reason, we are already adapting our operations with the sensitivity and flexibility necessary to help and facilitate them to overcome the current situation as soon as possible. In this sense, measures have already been announced between now and November 10 that we consider essential. As the situation of the affected people, and the means of transportation and communication, evolves, next week we will assess the viability of resuming activities starting the week of November 11. This will make it easier for our unaffected personnel to also get involved in recovery tasks to the extent that their personal situation and work responsibilities allow.
Now is the time for the entire university community to work together with Valencian society, and to demonstrate once again that we are public servants, and a university that stands out for its social responsibility. We have made ourselves available to public administrations to help with anything that may be necessary, including the possibility that our infrastructure or equipment may be used temporarily, or that experts who can address specific needs are required. We already have some requests that will be finalized in the coming days. We have organized from the first moment to mobilize UPV volunteers from the 31st. There is an enormous need for help, and for contributions of material and food, and hundreds of members of the UPV have already attended these days with performances in Paiporta or Utiel, and distribution of food in Mestalla. We are sending materials, furniture, food and clothing. In this sense, I encourage you to also try to contribute in any way you can, but always within the organization, coordination and tasks that the administrations have foreseen, without taking unnecessary risks. And our psychological care service is available 24 hours a day, making a very commendable effort to help those who may need it, and having already served several dozen people.
Once again I want to express our solidarity and support for all the people affected by this catastrophe and reaffirm our commitment to helping people and the recovery of the affected areas.
And from here I also express my gratitude and that of the board of directors to the entire university community for your commitment and help to overcome these difficult times.
Pepe Capilla
Rector