Jugen Chowra Is Rebuilding Towards a Safer Future After the Assam Flood

For 33-year-old Jugen Saura, returning home after the flood meant facing the extent of what had been lost. His house had been swept away, the area around it was covered in mud and debris and the work he depended on had become difficult to find.

Jugen is the sole breadwinner for his family of four in Saura Basti. Before the flood, he earned approximately ₹6,000–₹8,000 a month through daily wage work in and around the village. His income supported the household and helped keep his two sons, studying in Classes 9 and 5, in school. The family also maintained a small poultry livelihood as an additional household asset.

The flood disrupted this fragile livelihood. Along with the damage to their home and household belongings, the family’s poultry assets were affected. With the surrounding area still covered in mud and water, daily wage opportunities have also become scarce.

Jugen returned to find not just physical damage, but a difficult road ahead. Today, the family is managing with the support they have received while trying to rebuild the foundations of everyday life.

In Jugen’s Own Words

“When the flood occurred, we suffered heavy losses here; the floodwaters washed away and broke down our house. Actually, I was not at home during the flood, and when I returned, I saw that everything here was covered in mud and debris, and our house was swept away. We are facing immense hardships, and there is no work available, as no one can employ labourers when everything is filled with mud and water. Now, we are somehow managing to survive, but what else can I say? We are somehow pushing through, but people are struggling due to the flood, and you can see the overall situation here and how the flood has impacted everything."

Rebuilding a Safer Home

The family's house was severely damaged by the flood, along with essential belongings including beds, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, food stocks and school materials.

A civil society organisation has since supported partial reconstruction of the family's shelter. However, further strengthening is needed. In particular, raising the plinth level can help reduce the risk of rainwater entering the house during future flooding.

A stronger and more durable shelter would provide the family with greater security while also helping protect the children and the household's essential belongings from future flood events.

Safe Water and Sanitation

The family's recovery also includes restoring access to basic services. Their toilet was damaged during the flood, while they currently do not have a reliable source of safe drinking water.

With mud and water continuing to affect the area around their home, access to safe water and sanitation remains important for the family's health, safety and dignity.

From Immediate Relief to Long-Term Recovery

The family has received food support, household items, shelter materials and hygiene kits from SEEDS and other organisations, helping them address some immediate needs following the flood.

However, immediate assistance is only the first step. For Jugen’s family, longer-term recovery means strengthening their shelter, restoring productive assets and creating conditions that allow Jugen to regain a more reliable livelihood.

Replacing lost livestock and poultry can help restore an additional household asset, while support for essential household items and WASH facilities can help the family establish safer living conditions.

Looking Ahead

Jugen and his family are already trying to move forward. His children have returned to school and the family is managing with the assistance available to them. But the uncertainty around work and the condition of their home continue to affect their recovery.

For this family, rebuilding means more than restoring a structure. It means creating a safer home, restoring productive assets and helping Jugen regain the means to support his family.

Indicative Recovery Requirement

Based on an initial indicative assessment, the family's recovery requirement is approximately ₹1,90,000, subject to field assessment and technical verification.

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

Together, Let’s Help Bobita Rebuild

Jugen and his family have already begun rebuilding with the support they have received. With continued support, they can strengthen their home, restore their livelihoods and create a safer environment for their children.

Your contribution can help their family rebuild after the floods, restore essential resources and take the next step towards a safer and more stable future.

DONATE NOW

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