We Planted Banana Trees, Never Thinking They Would Rescue Us

Before the flood, Archita Toppno and her son Paul worked hard every day as daily wage labourers in a tea garden. Their family of five depended on this income, earning approximately Rs. 8,000–9,000 per month. Alongside their daily wages, the family also relied on farming and livestock to supplement their livelihood. They kept poultry and goats, which provided an additional source of food and income.

Archita also cared for the family, while her son Paul shared responsibility for supporting the household. Her daughter Binoti was studying in Class V. The family lived in a bamboo house and maintained their connection with the surrounding community.

The flood changed their lives within a short time.

When the Flood Came

As the floodwaters rose, the family had to find a way to reach safety. Archita recalls returning home and seeing the area rapidly submerge.

“My son Paul Tappno, my daughter-in-law, and my grandson Ansuman Tappno live here. We were living together, but what can I say? When I returned from over there, I saw the rising floodwaters. i saw everything getting completely submerged. I asked them to cut down banana trees to build a raft so we could get across. Water kept rising everywhere."

With the water continuing to rise, the family used the banana raft to cross to safety.

“We had no choice. We used a long pole to steer the banana raft and managed to cross over. We stayed at neighbors”

The flood partially damaged the family's bamboo house. Beds, furniture, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding, food stocks, electrical appliances, school materials and other household necessities were lost. Poultry and a goat were also washed away, affecting a source of additional food and income for the family.

Finding a Way Forward

Archita and Paul have continued working as daily wage labourers in the tea garden, allowing the family to partially restore its livelihood. However, the loss of livestock and household belongings has made it harder for the family to rebuild what they had before the flood.

The family is currently staying with relatives as their damaged home is not suitable for a secure return. They have access to food, markets and transportation, but do not have safe drinking water or adequate sanitation.

The family has received food, household items, hygiene kits and utensil kits from SEEDS and other organisations. Archita recalls some of the assistance they received:

“If anyone could help us... We received a bucket, a pan, plates, and a mat.”

She adds:

“We received these items. If anyone can extend a bit more help, we survive on daily wage work.”

The assistance has helped the family meet some immediate household needs. Their damaged home, however, remains a major concern.

Rebuilding a Safer Home

For Archita's family, having a home they can return to is an important part of moving forward. Support for household essentials, livestock and access to water and sanitation will also help address some of the needs left by the flood.

Archita hopes to rebuild a small home where her family can live again.

“Right now, we have no shelter or home left to stay in. If someone could help us rebuild a house, we could live here again.”

Over the next 3–6 months, the family hopes to repair their home, replace lost livestock and improve the conditions needed for a more secure recovery.

Indicative Recovery Requirement

Based on an initial indicative assessment, Momita's recovery requirement could be around ₹1,60,000. Around ₹70,000 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.

Help Archita Rebuild

Archita and her family found a way to reach safety as the floodwaters rose. They are now working to rebuild their home and recover the resources they depended on before the flood.

Your support can help Archita rebuild a safer home and take the next steps towards recovery.

DONATE NOW

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