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Flood 2024 in Valencia: The story of a car service and its owner
Project by Alexandra Nesm and Maxim Simon

Introduction

Natural disasters are not only human tragedies, but also serious challenges for businesses. According to global statistics, only 3% of small businesses survive such disasters . This data is depressing, but we believe that the situation can be changed if we draw attention to the problems and support those who are trying to restore their business.

We decided to tell the stories of entrepreneurs who faced the devastating consequences of the flood in Valencia . Each of them not only struggles with material losses, but also tries to maintain hope for the future. These articles are accompanied by photo reports that help show the reality of what is happening and find a response from those who can help.

Our first hero is Samvel, the owner of a car service in Valencia. The flood caused huge damage to his business, and now he needs help to get back to work.

We would be grateful if you share this article. Each repost is a step towards ensuring that support finds those who need it.

How did the flood affect business?

Samvel Zilfugaryan, the owner of a car repair shop in Valencia, lost almost everything he had built up over the years. The flood caused devastating damage that is difficult to fully assess. The water level rose to two meters, destroying the premises, equipment and cars, putting the business on the brink of bankruptcy.

Recalling the day of the flood, the owner tells how he saw the water washing away his car. He tried to go outside, but was forced to wait for several hours until the water began to recede. When he got to the workshop, he found complete destruction: broken windows, cars covered in mud and damaged tools. A huge tragedy was the loss of his three dogs, who drowned inside the workshop.

Damage to car service

The flood caused serious damage to eight vehicles:
  • Four inside the workshop (three with French numbers and one with Spanish);
  • Four outside (including Mercedes, Volvo, Ford and Audi).

The condition of the workshop is also critical:
  • All windows are broken and replaced with temporary screens.
  • The water level reached two meters, destroying everything that was inside.
  • Electrical equipment, tools and compressors became unusable.
  • Two German ski lifts, each worth 10,000 euros, were damaged and their repair is questionable.
  • Many things had to be thrown away immediately, as they could not be restored.
There is still water on the workshop floor and the cars are badly damaged both inside and out

Электроинструменты, включая подъёмники, были затоплены.

Disaster Response and Emergency Planning

Samvel acknowledges that the scale of the disaster was so great that no precautions could have prevented the damage. He understands the importance of having an emergency plan, but admits that preparing for a disaster of this scale requires significant resources that he did not have.

The water in the workshop rose more than 2 meters, flooding all the tools, cars and an electric lift. Traces of dirty water are still visible on the walls. The photos were taken on November 20; much has been cleared, but the workshop is still not working

Difficulty in getting help

  • Insurance company:
    Samvel faces serious obstacles in his attempts to receive compensation and payments under his insurance policies. Despite the insurer's statements about its readiness to cover the losses, no specific solutions have been offered yet. The cost of repairing one car reaches from 50,000 to 100,000 euros, but no payments have been made so far.
  • Government assistance:
    State support is minimal. The only assistance provided was the garbage collection in the first days, organized by local residents themselves

Documents and office equipment were flooded. In some places, the plaster is falling off.

What's happening with the car service now?

It is obvious that the workshop has completely ceased its activity. The doors remain open, and chaos reigns inside. All the equipment is destroyed, and the cars are unfit for repair. Samvel admits that he does not know where to start the restoration, since he does not have the funds for either repairs or renting a new premises.

Tools flooded with water rust and become unusable.

Impact on customers and employees

Samvel and his son Eduard worked in the workshop, as is often the case in family businesses. One of the clients also lost his car, which he took out a loan to repair at Samvel's workshop, which only complicates the situation.

Plans and Prospects

Samvel Zilfugaryan, originally from Armenia, settled in Spain in 2000 and opened his workshop seventeen years later.

At the moment, Samvel and Eduard do not have the funds to resume work or rent a new space. They are considering closing the business, although a final decision has not yet been made.
How can you help Samvel and Eduard?

Crowdfunding link: https://gofund.me/e3934347

Contact information:

Samvel Zilfugaryan and Eduard Zilfugaryan Asoyan

Company name: Zylauto SLU

Address: Av./Real de Madrid, number 129, Valencia, 46017

Phone: 665773175

Email: Zylautos@gmail.com

Direct Aid Account Number: ES5700490576772811021735

Lessons and Conclusions

The main lesson, Samvel says, is that family health and safety are paramount. Despite the severe losses, he is grateful that his extended family, which includes four children and eight grandchildren, is safe. However, he also stresses the need to upgrade Valencia’s infrastructure to protect residents and businesses from future disasters.

The power tools are completely out of order. Each part has its own cost: some are cheaper, others are more expensive, but when almost all the working equipment requires replacement, the amount becomes significant

The importance of supporting victims

This story highlights the importance of providing support not only in the early days after a disaster, but throughout the recovery process. Businesses like this auto repair shop need real help, from financial support to infrastructure upgrades. We hope this story will raise awareness and inspire solutions to help many family businesses and their employees get back to normal.

We would appreciate any cooperation and support, financial or otherwise, to help us get back on track as quickly as possible.

¿Qué puede hacer el agua sucia a las ruedas nuevas?

Author's words

In moments of tragedy and loss, the power of community shines through. Volunteers, neighbors, ordinary people – everyone rushes to help, lending a hand to those in need. People help each other clean their homes, share water, food, blankets and words of encouragement. This unwavering spirit of solidarity reminds us that it is difficult to cope alone, but together everything is possible.

Every small contribution – every euro, every minute spent clearing rubble or supporting those who have lost everything – turns into a force that can overcome even the most difficult consequences. Community cohesion is not just words, it is the heart and soul of a city that will help it rise again and move forward, becoming stronger and more resilient than ever.

It is also important to remember that rebuilding a business is not limited to cleaning the premises. It includes buying new equipment, rebuilding supply chains and, most importantly, bringing customers back, which can take months of hard work.

We can help in this process: make a donation, use the services or at least tell your friends about it. Share this article on social networks - any support will be valuable. Together we can change the situation for the better!

More photos of the workshop

Над проектом работают

  • Alexandra Nesm
    Author and marketer
  • Maxim Simon
    Photographer and co-author
  • Carles Verges
    Translator and editor
  • Viktoria Bikbatrova
    Preparation of material
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