In Jorhat, Assam, nine families from Majiya Bheti are still residing in a roadside relief camp, over a month after severe flooding ravaged the area. The families have been unable to return home since July 19, when the floods worsened dramatically. Although floodwaters have receded in many parts, these families are still grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.

Residents have reported that their homes, agricultural land, livestock, and personal belongings were significantly damaged by the floods. As conditions in the camp persist, essential needs remain unmet. Rekha Dorobdhora, a local resident, indicated that basic requirements are becoming increasingly difficult to fulfil.

Food sources have diminished, with traditional options like fruits, vegetables, and wild greens reportedly unavailable. Dorobdhora expressed concern over the welfare of their livestock, stating that many animals have died since the floods and that they had lost essential agricultural produce, severely impacting their livelihoods.

Challenging Living Conditions in the Camp

The living conditions at the roadside camp have raised significant concern among the affected families. Lack of sufficient shelter and inadequate bedding has made life difficult, especially with the threat posed by adverse weather conditions. Dorobdhora expressed fear regarding the safety of children under the temporary tin roofs, which may collapse during heavy rains or storms.

Moreover, the disruption to education has been another consequence of their dislocation. Children have struggled to access schooling due to damaged roads, resulting in longer commutes. Many had to leave their school supplies in safer locations, which hampered their return to classes. Reports indicate that the situation remains precarious, with families often left to navigate unsafe pathways in their attempts to resume normalcy.

Dharmendra Gogoi, another resident, noted that the floods devastated not only homes but also essential agricultural lands vital to their livelihoods. He recalled the flood situation escalating rapidly on July 19, leading to their necessary evacuation to the relief camp. The loss of crops, which were nearly ready for harvest, compounded the trauma for many farmers in the community.

Appeals for Assistance Amid Agricultural Losses

With major crops destroyed, Gogoi voiced concerns that the agricultural season may effectively be lost. He estimated that the window for cultivating paddy is nearing its end, increasing the urgency for support. The embankment that previously shielded their fields has not been fully repaired, raising fears of recurrent flooding with any further rainfall.

Local farmers are calling for government assistance, requesting seeds, fertilisers, and machinery to help restore their fields. Gogoi articulated a pressing need for support to ensure that families can resume agricultural activities when conditions permit, as many have lost everything to the tragedy.

Reports suggest that for many families, returning home is still not feasible, with stagnant water remaining in yards and wildlife entering their properties. Gogoi estimated another month might pass before they could safely return, underscoring the disarray that flooding has left in its wake.

The situation in Jorhat continues to highlight the broader challenges faced by Assam, recovering from one of the most devastating flood seasons of the year. Official figures indicate that more than 3,200 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, affecting countless rural livelihoods. Although assistance has been provided, the longer-term needs of families like those in Majiya Bheti are crucial as they seek to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the floods.

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