Mohima Barla’s Family Rebuilds After the Assam Floods

The floods changed everyday life for 21-year-old Mohima Barla and her family in Chutia Basti, Assam. After fleeing the rising waters, they returned to find their home damaged and livestock lost. Now, as the family continues working to meet its daily needs, rebuilding a safer home and restoring its livelihood are important steps towards stability.

Mohima lives with her family of six in Chutia Basti. Before the floods, her mother, Sanika Barla, 51, and her 19-year-old brother, Simon, worked as daily wage labourers in a tea garden. The household earned an estimated ₹8,000–₹9,500 per month and kept livestock, including goats and cows, as additional household assets.

When the Flood Came

When the floodwaters rose on the 12th, the family fled their home in fear. On returning, they found their neighbourhood devastated, their house partially damaged and their livestock lost. Essential belongings, including furniture, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, food stocks and school materials, were also damaged or destroyed.

Recalling the experience, Mohima shares:

“When the floodwaters rose on the 12th, we ran away in fear. When we finally came back home, our whole neighbourhood was gone. Three cows died, two or three goats died, and about 10 chickens died. After losing everything, we were stuck on a bamboo platform. Later, a rescue team came and saved us.”

She also describes the family’s difficulties in meeting basic needs:

“My father is sick. My younger brothers and sisters go to school, so my mother works all by herself, and we aren't able to help much.”

Access to safe drinking water remains another concern. Their tube well was submerged during the flood, affecting the family’s access to a safe water source.

“We do not have access to safe drinking water. Tube well was also submerged in flood water.”

Moving Towards Recovery

Sanika and Simon have continued working in the tea garden to support the household. The family has also received relief assistance from SEEDS and other organisations, including food, household items, hygiene kits and utensil kits.

However, the house still needs repairs, and the family needs support to restore its lost livestock and improve access to safe water and sanitation. These are important steps towards making their home safer and rebuilding the resources they depended on before the floods. Despite these challenges, the family continues to manage its daily needs, and the children are continuing their education.

Indicative Recovery Requirement

Based on an initial indicative assessment, Mohima’s recovery requirement could be around ₹1,70,000. Around ₹70,000 is indicated for repairing a permanent house, durable rebuild. A further ₹50,000 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.

Recovery Need

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 Mohima’s Family Rebuild

Mohima and her family have begun moving forward through the income they have restored from tea garden work. A safer home, replacement livestock and access to safe water and sanitation can help them rebuild the security they had before the flood.

Your support can help Mohima’s family rebuild a safe home and restore their livelihood.

DONATE NOW

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