Vodafone Foundation deploys Instant Network Emergency Response team in flood hit Valencia

November 4, 2024 - Vodafone Foundation, in collaboration with Vodafone Spain and the Red Cross, has this weekend deployed six Instant Networks, to help communities affected by the recent floods in Valencia. The deployment is focused on re-establishing vital connectivity in hard-hit areas including Paiporta, Utiel, Montroy, La Eliana, and Benetusser.

Support in Spain was provided by a specially trained team of skilled volunteers from Vodafone Foundation’s Instant Network Emergency Response programme (INER). The programme is one of Vodafone Foundation’s flagship initiatives designed to provide specialist personnel and technology to reinstate communications in emergency situations. This is achieved by installing customised equipment enabling portable mobile emergency networks, Instant Wifi and Instant Charge for recharging multiple mobile devices – to re-establish critical communication links.

In this case, a team of five individuals travelled from Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and Spain on Friday 1^st November, and have since been working in close partnerships with local authorities and (NGOs) to ensure that the technology required to enable vital connectivity is provided at pace.

As Lisa Felton, Managing Director of Vodafone Foundation explains, “In the wake of the severe flooding in Valencia, Vodafone Foundation has swiftly deployed our Instant Network to provide essential connectivity for emergency responders and affected communities. Communication is a lifeline in times of crisis, and our mission is to restore it where it’s needed most, helping families stay connected and enabling critical coordination for rescue and recovery efforts. We are committed to standing alongside the people of Valencia, bringing technology and support to aid in their recovery.”

Justin Waller, Programme Lead for the Vodafone Foundation Instant Network Emergency Response Programme explains how the support has proved invaluable to so many. “Over the weekend, Vodafone volunteers have completed rapid deployments at critical sites across different locations, creating vital communication hubs for thousands of people. Among them were city halls, food distribution centres and the Red Cross Advanced Command Centre in Paiporta, now bustling with activity from organisations working tirelessly on the frontlines. Despite long hours, our team has been dedicated and resilient, buoyed by the gratitude and encouragement they’ve received on the ground.”

In addition to the provision of vital, emergency connectivity, Vodafone Foundation has also made a donation of €80k to the Red Cross to support the relief effort further.

More details about the Vodafone Instant Network Emergency Response

Since 2011, Vodafone Foundation’s Instant Network program has deployed emergency communications in more than 25 crisis situations worldwide. The programme has designed its own customised emergency equipment including the Instant Network, a portable mobile emergency network, Instant Wifi and Instant Charge for charging multiple phones. Instant Network equipment has been deployed in response to many humanitarian crises in the last 14 years, including in the Philippines, Nepal, Turkey and most recently, Union Island in Grenada and the floods in Europe in September 2024. The Instant Network program relies on a dedicated team of Vodafone volunteers from Vodafone operating companies across the globe.