When Livestock Became the Loss: Alvish Munda’s Family Rebuilds After the Flood

Before the flood, Alvish Munda and his wife, Maria Munda, 28, worked together as daily wage labourers in a tea garden, earning a combined income of approximately ₹8,000–9,000 per month. They also kept poultry and a goat, which provided an additional source of livelihood and support for their household.

The couple lived with their two children in a bamboo house in the low-lying area of Gohain Bari. Their income was modest, but regular work and livestock helped them manage everyday expenses and care for their children, who continued their education.

The flood disrupted this stability.

Their bamboo house was partially damaged, and the family lost beds, furniture, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, food stocks, electrical appliances, school materials and other essential belongings. Their goat and poultry were also washed away, taking away assets that had helped supplement their earnings.

For Alvish, the loss was deeply connected to the family’s ability to support itself.

“Our livestock, goat and poultry washed away. Our important assets other than the bamboo house,” Alvish says.

Although Alvish and Maria continue to work in the tea garden, the loss of their livestock has reduced the resources they could rely on beyond their daily wages. Rebuilding their household and replacing what they have lost will take time, particularly as they work to meet their children’s needs and manage everyday expenses.

The family continues to live in their partially damaged bamboo house. They have access to safe drinking water, food, markets and transportation, and their children remain in education. However, the lack of sanitation facilities and reported health concerns add to their challenges. Their current income is also insufficient to cover all household expenses comfortably.

SEEDS and other organisations have provided food, household items, hygiene kits and utensil kits, helping the family address some immediate needs. However, shelter repairs, sanitation facilities, essential household belongings and livelihood assets remain important gaps in their recovery.

For Alvish and Maria, repairing their home would help provide a safer and more stable environment for their children. Replacing the goat and poultry could restore an additional source of household support, while essential items and improved sanitation would help them manage daily life with greater security and dignity.

Together, Let’s Help Alvish Munda Rebuild

Alvish’s family has received help to get through the immediate aftermath of the flood, but the loss of their home, livestock and household belongings continues to affect their recovery.

Your support can help them rebuild a safer home and restore the essentials they need to move forward.

DONATE NOW

Your contribution will support SEEDS’ flood response and recovery efforts for affected families based on assessed needs.

Indicative Recovery Requirement

Based on an initial indicative assessment, Alvish's recovery requirement could be around ₹1,90,000. Around ₹70,000 is indicated for repairing of bamboo house, durable rebuild. A further ₹20,000 is indicated for replacing the domestic animals lost, based on a typical small mixed holding for the area, to be confirmed through field verification. ₹20,000 is set aside for household utensils and essential items, and ₹30,000 for continued sanitation and drinking water support during the recovery period.

Note: Recovery requirements and costs are indicative and subject to field and technical verification. Support will be prioritised according to assessed household needs.