Flood water begins to recede in parts of Delihi Gohain village in Assam’s Sivasagar district. However, the struggle for several families is still not over. Roads remain submerged, boat is the only means of transport to commute. Damaged homes stand as a reminder that the village has beared a lot.
Home to around 500 families, the village was the worst hit after the Dorika river overflowed following days of heavy rain. The residents said the water level rose within hours, leaving little time for them to shift their belongings or move livestock to a safer place.
Though the floodwater has drained in some areas, low-lying areas continue to remain submerged. Large stretches of farmland are inundated, raising fears among farmers who now face the possibility of losing an entire crop season. For many families, their daily life is yet to return to normal. Boats continue to ferry people across flooded roads while children and elderly residents remain confined to their homes.
Several houses suffered extensive damage and many families lost stored food grains, clothing and household essentials. Local groups, voluntary organizations and the district administration has initiated a relief supply for the villages over the past several days. Food packets, drinking water and other necessities are being distributed.
Although the residents say the recovery process is taking longer than the relief.As situation eases, attention is gradually shifting towards rebuilding houses, repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring farmlands.