This Assam village had not seen a flood in decades

This Assam village had not seen a flood in decades

  • By oxfamadmin
  • 03 Aug, 2016
Sharelines

This #Assam village had not seen a #flood in decades. Then the waves hit. Read story: http://bit.ly/2b1IF51 #WithAssam #AssamFloods2016

Read an #Assam #floods survivor’s first hand account: http://bit.ly/2b1IF51 #WithAssam #AssamFloods2016

Malowkhat village in jorhat district had not seen a flood in decades. So when the floods hit on 17 July 2016 because of a breach in river Bhogdoi, 45-year-old Ramen Saikia was unprepared. His village was soon cut off as the waters engulfed paddy crops, entire houses and valuable assets of the villagers. As much as 30 quintals of paddy stored in Saikia’s granary was washed away by the flood waters too. 

Assam Floods 2016

Now, Saikia is residing at the property of a neighbour whose house is located on higher ground. He managed to salvage some tin sheets, and made a temporary shelter for his family of 4. But he says the Non-Food Items kit from OXFAM has helped him a lot. 

“The items provided by OXFAM will be very beneficial for us. Now I can make a better temporary shelter using the tarpaulins and treat water using the water purification tablets and Oxfam buckets,” Saikia says with relief.

Using the tarpaulins from the kit, he can improvise and add to the temporary shelter for his family. The only usable hand pump for drinking and other purposes was also submerged. Using water purification tablets and buckets provided by OXFAM, he can now ensure water is safe to drink. Mosquito nets too protect his family from falling ill in these tough conditions. 

There are thousands affected like Saikia who need your help.

We urge you to come forward and contribute to help save lives

DONATE NOW

Assam Floods 2016

Saikia takes Oxfam staff through his damaged house

Assam Floods 2016

Saikia's now flooded kitchen

Assam Floods 2016

The granary where Saikia had stored 30 quintals of paddy which was washed away by the floods

 

Written by Oxfam India staff


Related Stories

Women Livelihood

09 Aug, 2023

Koraput, Odisha

Community Seed Bank: Beyond Preservation And Conservation

This year the price of ginger seeds was exceptionally high at Rs 20,000 per quintal.

Read More

Gender Justice

07 Jul, 2023

Odisha

A Fresh Start For Pinky

Twenty-two-year-old Pinky*, unlike many women who face domestic violence silently at their matrimonial home, took a bold step.

Read More

Economic Justice

05 Jul, 2023

Nalanda, Bihar

Solar Solution for Bihar Farmers

Soni Devi and her husband Shashi Paswan are from Indaut, a village in Hilsa block in Bihar’s Nalanda district.

Read More

Women Livelihood

03 Jul, 2023

Kalahandi, Odisha

Araskupa Processing Unit: A Blessing In Disguise

When we were younger, we were often assigned with the task of going to the atta chakki to get flour.

Read More