Suresh Taye Rebuild His Livelihood After the Flood

At just 20 years old, Suresh Taye was responsible for supporting a two-member household consisting of himself and his mother. Before the July 2026 floods, he earned an income by driving his own e-rickshaw. The family also kept poultry, goats and a cow, which provided an additional source of livelihood and household support.

With a modest monthly income of approximately ₹6,000–₹7,000, Suresh worked to meet the family’s daily needs, while his mother managed household chores and cared for their livestock. They lived in a one-room semi-permanent pucca house with a kitchen made of bamboo.

The floods disrupted the family’s fragile financial stability. Suresh’s e-rickshaw was damaged. Unable to continue relying on his own vehicle as before, he shifted to working as a driver. Although he continues to earn, his income has declined considerably.

The family also lost its poultry, goats and cow when the animals were washed away by floodwaters. The loss of livestock removed an important secondary livelihood and reduced the family’s ability to supplement its earnings.

Their home was affected as well. The kitchen was damaged, and mud accumulated around the living space. Essential household belongings, including beds, furniture, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, food stocks, electrical appliances and other basic items, were also reported lost or damaged.

Suresh and his mother continue to live in their own home, but the damage has not been fully addressed. The family currently has food and access to markets and transportation. However, it lacks access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, leaving important basic needs unmet.

Suresh is working as a driver, but the household is only partially able to meet its daily expenses. His damaged e-rickshaw represents more than a physical loss.

SEEDS and other organisations have provided relief assistance, including food, household items, a hygiene kit and a utensil kit. This assistance has helped address some immediate needs. Nevertheless, the family still requires support for shelter repairs, water and sanitation, replacement livestock and essential household belongings.

Suresh describes the change in his circumstances since the flood:

“Before flood I was driving my own E-Rickshaw to support my family now I am working as driver. My E-Rickshaw was damaged in the flood. Income has gone down drastically. ”.

– Suresh

With his mother depending on the household income and the family facing unresolved shelter and WASH needs, rebuilding will require more than short-term relief. Restoring productive assets and improving living conditions are important steps towards helping the family regain stability.

Suresh hopes to repair the damaged parts of the house, replace the lost livestock and improve the family’s living conditions. Access to safe water and sanitation, along with essential household items, would help them restore basic daily routines.

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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, Suresh's recovery requirement could be around ₹1,60,000. Around ₹70,000 is indicated for repairing of bamboo 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.'

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