From Despair to Hope: A Story of Resilience from Flood-Ravaged Cachar

Sister Swapna updates us on the impact of SRW’s aid after flooding devastated an area of her home country.

When Tropical Cyclone Remal tore through India’s Cachar district in May 2024, over 500 families were left devastated. Flanked by multiple waterways, Cachar’s farmland, homes, schools and stores were swallowed by floodwaters. With no electricity, and their cherished homes and possessions lost, families resorted to living in tents along the roadside made from their clothing. Food, grain, poultry, and seed supplies were also lost, and the nearest operational food store was 10 miles away. The scenes of total devastation, filthy living conditions, and looks of despair and hunger on victims’ faces, were haunting.

With financial support from SRW, the Sisters and I supplied victims with much needed food, tarpaulins, flashlights, and batteries to assist while their villages began recovery. After the flood waters receded, plants and seeds were provided to help rebuild farms and regain former livelihoods. And in each village, several women who were left with no way to earn an income were equipped to run small shops to supply their communities with desperately needed goods, and support their families.

Today, the Cachar district is renewed. The once flooded fields are flourishing with vibrant green crops – a beautiful and heartwarming symbol of the villages’ resilience. Villages are once again producing and selling goods, and shop owners are earning enough to both feed their families and provide for their childrens’ education. And best of all, the eyes of the people are once again filled with happiness and hope. Cachar has risen from despair, and stands ready to face the future with joy.

Thank you to SRW and all the donors for providing lifesaving support to Cachar. It was a great comfort to the victims and went a long way in helping them restore their normal lives.