Mamoni Gowala Is Rebuilding Her Family’s Life After the Flood

Before the floods, Mamoni Gowala, 28, and her husband, Sonu, 32, lived with their three children in a bamboo house in Gohain Bari, close to the Dikhow River. Sonu worked as a daily wage labourer in a tea garden, earning around ₹6,000–₹7,000 a month. Their two cows and poultry provided additional support for the family. Their income was modest, but together they managed their household and supported their children’s education.

Then, the floodwaters rose faster than they could prepare for.

Within hours, the family’s home was completely damaged. Their beds, furniture, clothes, cooking utensils, food stocks, electrical appliances and children’s school materials were lost. The two cows and poultry they depended on were also washed away.

“Water level raised so fast that we could not able to save any of the household materials. Door was lying in the jungle,” Mamoni recalls.

The family was left without a secure home or the livestock that had helped them manage their daily needs.

Today, Mamoni, Sonu and their children are living in a makeshift shelter. Sonu continues to depend on available daily wage work, but the family’s income remains uncertain. Without their cows and poultry, they have also lost an additional source of household support. Although they have access to drinking water and food, the lack of sanitation and reported health concerns add to their difficulties. The family is trying to meet everyday expenses while providing for their children and keeping their education on track.

For Mamoni and Sonu, recovery means more than finding temporary shelter. It means creating a safe home for their children and rebuilding the means to support their family. With the right assistance, they can begin to restore the security they had before the floods.

Food, household items, hygiene kits and utensils provided by SEEDS and other organisations have helped the family manage their immediate needs. However, restoring their home and livelihood will take further support.

Help Mamoni’s Family Rebuild

With the right support, she can work towards a more stable future, one in which their children can grow up in safer surroundings. Her needs are simple; Safer housing, sanitation, essential household items and livelihood restoration.

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, Mamoni's recovery requirement could be around ₹2,10,000. Around ₹1,20,000 is indicated for rebuilding a permanent house, durable rebuild. A further ₹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.

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