Assam floods: A tale of resilience and relief

Floods in Dibrugarh

Floodwaters began seeping into Mamta's house in Basmatia Basbari village at approximately 11 p.m. on July 3, 2024. Initially, the rising water appeared controllable, but it swiftly escalated to alarming levels, compelling villagers to evacuate their homes. Mamta and her family, along with numerous others, were forced to seek refuge on elevated ground outside the village.

Mamta, who works as a temporary labourer at the Basmatia Tea Estate, has encountered exceptional hardship. The tea garden has been closed since May 2024, resulting in a loss of income for two months. “We survive on a daily wage, and the closure has hit us hard,” she explains. The floodwaters not only displaced her family but also swept away their household items, kitchen utensils, and partially destroyed their home.

In response to this humanitarian crisis, Caritas India has initiated a relief effort focused on providing Shelter and WaSH kits to the 600 families in Dibrugarh most severely affected by the flood. Mamta is among the beneficiaries of these essential supplies, which have proven to be a critical support system for her family. “We haven’t entered our house till today; it’s muddy, smelly, and there are a lot of mosquitoes. The shelter kit, especially the mosquito nets, will be very helpful for us. It will protect us from mosquito bites,” Mamta shares gratefully.

Sharing Mamta's distress is Bhagat Purty, another resident of Basmatia Basbari. A widower raising two children, Bhagat has also suffered greatly due to the flood. “This is the first flood in our generation after 1980. People here live on agriculture or wages from the tea garden, but the garden has been closed since May. The flood has made survival even tougher,” he says. Bhagat underscored the value of the shelter kits distributed by Caritas India, emphasising their crucial role in the community's recovery process.

Birju Kharia, another recipient of the relief aid, is the father of three daughters who are currently residing with relatives outside the village. He describes how the floodwaters completely wiped out their paddy seedlings, eliminating any possibility of a rice harvest this year. “The tea garden closure and the flood have left us without any means to earn. The relief from Caritas India is crucial for us to survive this crisis. We need long-term support for our livelihood and health,” he says.

Amidst this widespread devastation, instances of resilience and communal solidarity have emerged. Mamta's story exemplifies the indomitable human spirit. Despite facing immense hardship and uncertainty, she maintains a hopeful outlook. “The support we’ve received gives us strength. We will rebuild our lives, no matter how long it takes,” she asserts with determination.

As the floodwaters gradually subside, the road to recovery is fraught with challenges. However, families like Mamta's, fortified by unwavering resilience and sustained support, are steadfast in their determination to overcome these hardships. Caritas India's intervention has not only offered immediate relief but has also ignited a spark of hope for a brighter and more secure future.

Floods in Cachar

In June 2024, the idyllic village of Natanpur, nestled within the Katigorah Block of Cachar District, Assam, endured unparalleled devastation as torrential floods wreaked havoc, leaving families like Rakhi Rani Das's fighting for survival. As floodwaters inundated homes and displaced families sought shelter on elevated ground, the situation escalated to a crisis.

While government assistance arrived in a timely manner, it proved insufficient to address the community's pressing needs. The dire necessity for basic amenities like clean water and sanitation became paramount, prompting Caritas India, in collaboration with Siemens through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, to swiftly intervene. This concerted effort emerged as a lifeline for Natanpur's flood-affected families.

Rakhi Rani Das expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasising the impact of these kits on her community’s well-being. “The WASH kits provided were more than enough for us during this dire situation,” shares Rakhi Rani Das, a resident of Natanpur. “We couldn’t afford even the most basic items due to the extensive damage and financial strain. This support has been crucial in helping us maintain hygiene and dignity during these challenging times.”

This collaborative initiative between Caritas India and Siemens exemplifies the transformative potential of strategic partnerships between NGOs and corporations dedicated to creating lasting positive change within communities. Siemens' CSR funding proved instrumental in magnifying the impact of Caritas India's humanitarian response, enabling a swift and effective intervention during the Assam crisis.

Beyond providing immediate relief, this collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development and building community resilience. By prioritising basic hygiene, Caritas India and Siemens not only mitigated health risks but also empowered families to rebuild their lives with dignity and autonomy.

The experience of Natanpur village in Assam serves as a compelling testament to the power of collective action in overcoming adversity. Through the effective utilisation of CSR resources, Siemens and Caritas India have demonstrated how corporate citizenship can catalyse meaningful change at the grassroots level.

As we reflect on this partnership, let us recognise the transformative impact of compassionate outreach and sustainable support. Together, Caritas India and Siemens exemplify how strategic CSR initiatives can restore hope and build stronger, more resilient communities in the face of natural disasters.