Caritas India, in partnership with Start Network, has initiated a relief response for the families affected by the recent storm in Dhemaji, Assam. The storm has caused significant destruction, leaving many families homeless and in urgent need of assistance.

According to reports, the storm caused extensive damage by uprooting trees, and damage to homes and infrastructure in the affected area on 19th April 2023. More than 40,000 HHs in 674 villages were affected by the storm damaging 6000 houses fully and partially (ASDMA – Storm Damage Report 24.04.2023).

In the aftermath of the storm, although no major losses to croplands and livestock have been reported, essential services such as electricity and telecommunications came to a temporary suspension further disrupting the lives of the affected population. As per the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), Dhemaji and Dibrugarh are two most affected districts by the storm with Hailakandi, Tinsukia, Nagaon, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Dhubri, and Majuli being moderately impacted by storms.

With significant damage to houses, affected families are currently staying in transit shelters or in unsafe shelters which have increased protection-related risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as single women households, pregnant & lactating mothers, senior citizens, PwDs, and other minority groups.

The storm has also affected the livelihoods of many families, leaving them without a source of income. With new crop harvesting being delayed until farmlands become fit for cultivation again, limited wage-earning opportunities for households have made their recovery challenging. Considering the season of Kalbaisakhi, an annual phenomenon beginning from March until monsoons which settles over north-east India characterized by localized downpours and thunderstorms, these regions are likely to experience this kind of hazard for the next 2 months.

Considering the shelter and protection concerns that need to be addressed on an immediate basis to ensure minimum impact on vulnerable groups, Caritas India mobilized support from Start Network to reach out to a total of 975 households/4000+ population across 11 villages of Dhemaji district of Assam. Based on the findings of the Rapid Needs Assessment conducted in coordination with local partners, Caritas India envisages addressing the immediate needs of these affected households in the sectors of Shelter, Non-Food Items, Food Security, and Disaster Risk Reduction through response and preparedness measures.

Caritas India, in partnership with Start Network, has launched a relief response to provide immediate assistance to the affected families. The relief response includes the distribution of essential shelter-Non Food items to 750 most affected households and multipurpose fund transfer to 450 households. The relief response also includes Disaster Risk Reduction awareness across 11 program intervention villages.

Caritas India and Start Network are working closely with local authorities and community leaders to identify the most vulnerable families and provide them with the necessary assistance. The relief response is being implemented in a coordinated manner to ensure that the assistance reaches those who need it the most.

The relief response is a critical step towards supporting the affected families and helping them rebuild their lives. However, it is essential to note that the relief response is just the first step in a long-term recovery process. The affected families will need sustained support to rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and communities.