Running Pillar to Post: Puja Munda Rebuilds Her Home After Assam Floods

When the floodwaters swept through Puja Munda’s home, they left her family without many of the things that made everyday life possible. Their recently built house was damaged, household belongings were washed away and the cattle and goats they owned were lost.

Puja, 38, now lives with her family in a small temporary room while their home is being rebuilt. Her husband, Sanjay Munda, 42, works in Bengaluru, while Puja manages the household and cares for their young child and elderly mother-in-law.

Before the flood, the family lived in a bamboo house close to the Dikhow River. Sanjay’s daily wage work was the family’s main source of income, while the livestock they kept at home formed part of their household assets.

The flood changed their circumstances within a short time. Beds, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, food stocks and other household belongings were lost or damaged. Their cattle and goats were also swept away.

Talking to SEEDS India, Puja Munda says,

“As you can see, this is the condition of our house. This brother helped rebuild the house now. We haven't moved in yet because my husband isn't here; once he returns, we will. We lost all our belongings. Whatever cattle and goats we had were washed away by the floodwaters. We didn't even have a single bowl or glass left to drink water. That was the extent of our struggle.”

Recovery is more than getting through the flood

Getting a safe and durable home built is one of the family's most immediate priorities. A permanent shelter would give them a secure place to live and greater protection from future flooding and river-related risks.

But rebuilding the house is only one part of the family's recovery. The loss of cattle and goats has also affected the household's assets and livelihood. Replacing essential household items, restoring livestock where appropriate and improving access to safe water and sanitation would help the family gradually rebuild greater stability.

The family has already received food, household items, shelter materials and hygiene support from SEEDS and other organisations. This assistance has helped meet some immediate needs, but longer-term recovery will require continued support.

Indicative Recovery Requirement

Based on an initial indicative assessment, Puja's recovery requirement could be around ₹1,90,000. Around ₹1,20,000 is indicated for rebuilding a permanent 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.

Together, Let’s Help Puja Munda

Puja has already begun rebuilding with the support of his friends. With continued support, his family can strengthen their home and restore the everyday essentials they need to move forward.

Your contribution can help Puja and her 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.