Anjuma Begum Rebuilds After the Flood Independently

Before the flood, Anjuma earned a living through daily wage work and supplemented the household’s resources through livestock rearing. Her approximate monthly income was ₹7,000–₹8,000. Alongside earning an income, she cared for her two sons, who study in different grades, and looked after the family’s poultry, goats, and cow. These activities helped her meet household expenses and provide for her children.

For Anjuma Begum, 40, the July 2026 floods brought fear, displacement, and the loss of livelihood assets that helped her support her two sons. As a single mother following the death of her husband, Putul Ali, Anjuma is the sole adult responsible for caring for her children and managing the household. Although her house did not suffer major structural damage, floodwater inundated it, leaving mud and debris behind and damaging the toilet.

The flood disrupted this fragile livelihood. The family’s livestock were washed away, removing an important source of supplementary income. Household belongings, including beds, furniture, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, food stocks, electrical appliances, school materials, and other essentials were also lost or damaged.

Anjuma recalls the experience of leaving home as the floodwater rose:

“We were taking shelter on the road. House was under water. As flood water recede, it was filled with mud and debris. Being a single woman, it’s not easy to recover”. — Anjuma Begum

Her account highlights both the disruption caused by the flood and the additional responsibilities she carries as the only adult in the household. With two children depending on her, she must continue earning while also addressing the loss of livestock, replacing essential belongings, and restoring basic household services.

The family is now living in its own semi-permanent house, which requires minor repairs. Food is available, and both children are reported to be continuing their education. However, the household lacks access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Anjuma is earning through daily wage work, but her income remains insufficient to fully meet daily expenses and restore the livelihood assets lost in the flood.

Relief assistance from SEEDS and other organisations—including food, household items, a hygiene kit, and a utensil kit has helped the family address some immediate needs. Nevertheless, important gaps remain, particularly in safe water and sanitation, livestock replacement, essential household items, and minor repairs to the home.

Over the next three to six months, Anjuma hopes to replace her livestock, restore her livelihood, and improve safety and stability for her children. Replacing the livestock would help rebuild a source of supplementary income, while restoring safe water and sanitation would address essential needs that remain unmet after the emergency.

Together, let’s help Anjuma build a safe livelihood.

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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, Anjuma's recovery requirement could be around ₹90,000. Around ₹30,000 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 ₹40,000 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.