Renu Tanti Is Working to Rebuild a Safe Home After the Flood

For 59-year-old Renu Tanti, her home in Chutia Basti was more than a place to live. It was where she tended to her small vegetable garden, cared for her livestock and maintained her independence. With support from her brother-in-law and sister, she grew vegetables and relied on livestock to supplement her income, earning an estimated ₹4,000–₹5,000 a month through these activities.

Renu lost her husband, Dibakar Tanti, many years ago. Her two sons live separately and work in tea gardens, supporting her with food supplies when needed. Despite these family ties, Renu continued to manage her daily needs through her own efforts, with farming and livestock playing an important role in her life.

When the Flood Came

It completely damaged Renu's bamboo house. Beds, furniture, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, food stocks, electrical appliances and other essential household belongings were lost. Her poultry, which was an important supplementary livelihood asset, was also washed away.

As the floodwaters rose and the current became dangerously strong, Renu and her family had to depend on the community for their safety. Neighbours came together and used a banana raft to help rescue them.

Renu Tanti says,

“When the water started rising, we were right here. First, I sent my daughter-in-law ahead to safety. After that, two of us sisters stayed back. We made a banana-stem raft, and people helped carry the household members and children to safety. I have a young son with me. Later, those people carried us across as well.

The goats were gone, the chickens were gone, and the ducks were gone too. Whatever rice, paddy and utensils we had stored were all lost. We were evacuated and brought to the relief line.

Had three rooms, but some floated away. Some are still stuck in the mud, though I managed to retrieve a few belongings. Even now, everything remains broken and destroyed, as you can see. The utensils are gone, but by God’s grace, we received a few relief items. And our clothes and belongings were completely lost just like that."

Life After the Flood

The family has begun looking towards what comes next. Rebuilding their home, restoring essential belongings and replacing lost livestock can help Renu and her family regain stability and rebuild their everyday lives.

Renu has received food, household items, hygiene kits and utensil kits from SEEDS and other organisations. This assistance has helped her meet some immediate needs following the flood. But recovery will require more than immediate relief.

Indicative Recovery Support

Based on an initial indicative assessment, Renu's recovery requirement could be around ₹2,10,000. Around ₹1,20,000 is indicated for rebuilding a permanent, durable home. A further ₹30,000 is indicated for replacing the domestic animals lost, based on a typical small mixed holding for the area and subject to field verification. ₹20,000 is indicated for household utensils and essential items, while ₹40,000 is indicated for continued water, sanitation and hygiene 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 Renu Rebuild

A flood can destroy a home in a matter of hours, but rebuilding takes time. For Renu, recovery means having a safe place to return to, restoring the livelihood that helped her remain independent and rebuilding the everyday security she had before the flood.

Your support can help Renu rebuild a safe home, restore her livelihood and move forward with greater dignity and independence.

DONATE NOW

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