DIBRUGARH, Assam (Indian Catholic News) — The Diocese of Dibrugarh has launched an appeal for rehabilitation support to help flood-hit families in India’s northeastern Assam rebuild homes, restore livelihoods after emergency relief ended, saying “the greatest challenge now lies ahead.”
Following severe monsoon flooding across the Upper Assam districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar and Jorhat beginning July 19-20, the diocese said it had provided emergency assistance to affected families through parishes, priests, religious, volunteers and benefactors.
According to the report, floodwaters submerged villages, destroyed homes, crops, roads and public infrastructure, forcing thousands of people into temporary shelters.
The diocese said its first phase of relief reached families in Kona, Lakwa and Nahorhabi villages in Charaideo district, while a second phase assisted 106 flood-affected families in Bihubor, Chutia Basti and Nepali Gaon villages with food and other essential supplies.
It also thanked priests, religious and donors for their support, saying their generosity ensured relief reached “the most vulnerable families.”
Responding to Bishop Albert Hemrom of Dibrugarh’s appeal, several parishes and diocesan commissions distributed food, drinking water, clothing, hygiene materials and other emergency supplies, “demonstrating the Church’s commitment to serving people irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.”
Bishop Hemrom was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Guwahati July 16, but is continuing his oversight in Dibrugarh during the transition.
Focus turns to rebuilding
The report says the humanitarian situation remains critical despite receding floodwaters.
“While emergency relief has provided immediate support, the greatest challenge now lies ahead,” it says. “The floodwaters have disappeared, but the devastation remains.”
It says thousands of families have returned to homes that are “either destroyed or severely damaged.” Household utensils have been washed away, bamboo houses have collapsed, roofs have been blown away and agricultural fields remain covered with silt. Many families have also lost livestock, food stocks, school materials and other basic possessions.
“Many continue to live in temporary shelters because they lack the resources to rebuild their homes,” the report says. “Without rehabilitation support, these families remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and insecurity.”
The diocese said it is now “launching the next phase of its humanitarian response, focusing on rehabilitation and restoration of dignity.”
Urgent rehabilitation needs
The appeal seeks assistance for rebuilding homes through roofing sheets, bamboo, timber, cement, doors, windows and construction tools.
It also calls for household essentials, including cooking utensils, bedding, mosquito nets, clothing, water containers and solar lamps, along with water purification supplies, hygiene kits and cleaning materials.
To help families regain self-reliance, the diocese is seeking support for “Seeds for cultivation,” agricultural tools, fertilizers, livestock and poultry, and “Small business support for daily wage earners and self-employed families.”
The report also highlights the need to replace school materials lost in the floods so children can continue their education.
“The Diocese of Dibrugarh is therefore launching the next phase of its humanitarian response, focusing on rehabilitation and restoration of dignity,” the report says.
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