Surviving the Deluge: Mamta’s Resilience Amid Assam’s Devastating Floods

The floodwaters started creeping into Mamta’s house in Basmatia Basbari village at around 11 p.m. on July 3, 2024. Initially, the rising water seemed manageable, but soon it surged to unimaginable heights, forcing the villagers to evacuate. Mamta and her family, along with many others, had to seek refuge on higher grounds outside the village.

Mamta, a temporary labourer at the Basmatia Tea Estate, has faced an especially tough time. The tea garden has been closed since May 2024, leaving her without wages 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.

The relentless flood in Assam this year is one of the worst in the past five years, affecting over 21 lakh people across 3,208 villages in 29 districts. In Dibrugarh District alone, 26 villages, including those in the Tengaghat block, experienced devastating flooding for the first time since 1980 due to the breaching of the embankment of the Burhi Dihing River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra.

Caritas India, in response to the crisis, has been distributing Shelter and WaSH kits to the 600 most flood-affected families in Dibrugarh. Mamta is one of the recipients of these kits, which have been a lifeline 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.

Mr. Bhagat Purty, another resident of Basmatia Basbari, echoes Mamta’s sentiments. A widower with two children, Bhagat has also been severely affected by 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 emphasizes the utility of the shelter kits provided by Caritas India, highlighting how essential they are as the community rebuilds.

Mr. Birju Kharia, another beneficiary, has three daughters who are currently staying with relatives outside the village. He explains how the floodwaters have destroyed their paddy seedlings, leaving them with no prospects for growing rice 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 pleads.

The impact of the flood has been catastrophic, with 97 lives lost and countless families displaced. Caritas India’s Northeast team has been on the ground since June, continuously updating the situation to their Delhi office and donors. Relief distribution began on July 13, 2024, across four districts—Dibrugarh, Dhubri, Lakhimpur, and Cachar.

In the midst of this calamity, stories of resilience and community support stand out. Mamta’s narrative is a testament to the enduring human spirit. Despite the loss and uncertainty, she remains hopeful. “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 begin to recede, the challenges ahead are immense. But with continued support and resilience, families like Mamta’s are determined to overcome this adversity. Caritas India’s intervention has not only provided immediate relief but also a glimmer of hope for a better, more secure future.