Flood Relief Program 2007 Organized by Swabhiman Samiti
On 8th July 2007, severe flooding affected the region, which is generally known as a flood-prone area. However, due to the heavy rains in Nepal, the flood came earlier than anticipated, catching the local population off guard as there were no preparations in place for such an event. As a result, the flood led to widespread destruction, including the devastation of crops, loss of homes, and complete disruption of daily life in many villages.
- Impact of the Flood:
The flood severely affected several villages, including:
- Sekhui
- Ka Reharwa
- Chhaibaha Tola
Entire villages were submerged, including Mairund, where the roads were completely submerged, isolating these villages from the district. The most affected areas were Hathiwad Tal, Tiwari Tola, and Mairund, where local residents faced critical shortages of food and basic necessities. As a result, the community was unable to secure essential supplies for survival.
- Immediate Relief Efforts:
After realizing the gravity of the situation, Swabhiman Samiti contacted ActionAid India, Lucknow to request immediate assistance for flood victims. ActionAid India, after assessing the situation, decided to extend help to the flood-affected population. Swabhiman Samiti worked closely with ActionAid to organize the flood relief distribution.
- Flood Relief Materials Distributed:
ActionAid provided substantial relief supplies, which were distributed by Swabhiman Samiti in the following manner:
- For Hathiwad Tal village and 300 families:
- 15 quintals of rice
- 1.5 quintals of arhar dal (pulses)
- 1.5 quintals of salt
- These supplies were distributed to help meet immediate food and dietary needs, though the amount was still insufficient to cover the extensive requirements of the affected population.
- After further coordination with ActionAid, more extensive relief materials were provided for 7 revenue villages:
- Hathiwad Tal
- Taal Natwa
- Sekhui
- Ajigra
- Lau Khau
- Taal Baghiya
- Gaura
Each of the 1400 relief kits distributed contained:
- 25 kg rice
- 1.5 kg arhar dal
- 2 liters mustard oil
- 1 kg salt
- 1 kg soybean (for protein)
- 1 packet of vegetable masala (100 gm)
- 1 polyethene sheet (12 x 15 feet) for shelter.
A total of 1197 families were provided with these kits, which helped them meet their immediate needs.
- Additional Relief for Vulnerable Populations:
In addition to the basic relief supplies, Swabhiman Samiti also provided specific assistance to the most vulnerable groups in the affected areas:
- Nutrition Kits were provided to 207 pregnant and lactating women to ensure their health and nutritional needs were met during this crisis.
- Shelter Support: 800 families living in makeshift shelters received 12 x 15 feet plastic sheets to protect them from further exposure to the elements.
The following additional supplies were distributed to 800 families:
- 350 quintals of rice
- 21 quintals of arhar dal
- 2800 liters of mustard oil
- 1400 kg salt
- 1400 kg soybean
- 140 kg vegetable masala
- 4000 meters of plastic sheeting (for 800 families)
- Summary of Relief Efforts:
- Total number of villages covered: 7
- Total number of families receiving relief: 1400
- Relief supplies distributed:
- Rice: 350 quintals
- Arhar dal: 21 quintals
- Mustard oil: 2800 liters
- Salt: 1400 kg
- Soybean: 1400 kg
- Vegetable masala: 140 kg
- Plastic sheets: 800 families, 4000 meters
- Conclusion:
The flood relief program organized by Swabhiman Samiti, in collaboration with ActionAid India, was crucial in alleviating the suffering of thousands of flood-affected families in the region. Although the relief materials provided were helpful, the scale of the damage required continuous efforts from local and national organizations to fully rehabilitate the affected population. Swabhiman Samiti remains committed to providing ongoing support, not only in the aftermath of the flood but also in building resilience for future challenges that might affect these vulnerable communities.
