India Monsoon Mayhem

Project Summary
Providing NFI shelter kits (medicated mosquito nets, tarpaulins, solar lamps, cooking pots, ladle and plates), to 315 households affected by the fooding caused by Monsoon Mayhem.

Gurmit, a resilient 62-year-old woman, found her life turned upside down when her village was submerged by floodwaters on 27 August 2025. The embankment of the mighty Ravi River breached in eight places, unleashing a torrent that engulfed the entire village, leaving its residents stranded for nearly three weeks.  The relentless water invaded Gurmit’s home, leaving her precious household items damp and ruined. All her food supplies were destroyed, and the pervasive dampness created an immediate crisis. This natural disaster abruptly halted her livelihood. As a housemaid in a nearby village, Gurmit relied on her daily wages, but the waterlogging made commuting impossible, resulting in a loss of income for almost a month. This financial blow compounded the existing hardships, leaving her struggling to provide for her family. The impact extended beyond her immediate survival. Gurmit’s son, whose education was a constant source of hope, also faced significant disruption. The floodwaters damaged local schools, affecting his studies for nearly two months, adding another layer of anxiety to the family’s plight.  While the government and other agencies provided some essential food relief, its value was minimal, merely sustaining them through the immediate crisis. Crucially, no other materials were provided to address the pressing needs for shelter, safe drinking water, hygiene, or other basic household necessities. The villagers, including Gurmit, were left to cope with the lingering devastation with very little beyond basic sustenance.

In this time of dire need, ADRA stepped in, bringing a much-needed ray of hope to Gurmit and her community. They approached the affected families with a vital Non­Food Items (NFI) kit on 30″ Sep 2025, designed to help them manage their day-to-day living and begin the difficult process of recovery. The contents of the NFI kit were thoughtfully chosen to address specific, critical needs: Tarpaulin: This provided Gurmit with a means to create a shield for her damped areas, allowing her to safely place essential household objects on it, protecting them from further damage and dampness. Solar Lamps: With electricity lines down for an extended period, these lamps became indispensable. Gurmit’s son could now continue his studies after dark, ensuring his education was not permanently derailed. Medicated Mosquito Nets: The floodwaters created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue and malaria. These nets offered essential protection for Gurmit’s family, safeguarding their health during this vulnerable period. Utensil sets – She had lost some of her utensils in this flood. These basic utensils provide by ADRA will help her to cook her food with interest and she can manage her cooking well. The arrival of ADRA’s NFI kit was met with immense relief and gratitude. For Gurmit, it meant more than just material possessions; it was a tangible sign that she was not forgotten. The provided items allowed her to regain a sense of control and dignity, enabling her to manage her living conditions and protect her family’s well-being. This timely assistance brought a much-needed spark of joy back into her life, fostering resilience and paving the way for recovery.

When the floods struck Gaggomahal village in Amritsar, 28-year-old Amandeep Kaur and her husband Sarwan Singh (35) found their world collapsing-literally. Their modest mud house, built through years of labour and hope, could not withstand the rising waters. The walls gave way, the roof caved in, and in an instant, the only shelter protecting their young family was gone. With three small children-a 10-year-old son and two daughters aged 9 and 8-the couple faced unimaginable hardship. They spent nights under open skies, struggling to stay dry and safe amid relentless rain. The floods not only destroyed their home but also took away their livelihood. As a daily wage labourer, Sarwan suddenly found himself without work, and the family’s small savings quickly vanished. Days turned into an exhausting struggle for food, water, and basic security.  In these desperate circumstances, ADRA India’s intervention became a lifeline. The distribution of Non-Food Item (NFI) kits brought crucial relief to families like Amandeep’s. With the tarpaulin provided by ADRA, they managed to build a temporary roof that shielded them from the harsh weather. A simple lamp included in the kit illuminated their dark nights, restoring a sense of safety and normalcy for their children.

Amandeep, recalling those difficult days, shared her heartfelt gratitude: “We were in dire need of shelter and light. The tarpaulin and lamp from ADRA India brought us relief when we had nothing. We are very grateful to ADRA India for standing with us during this difficult time.”  For Amandeep and her family, this timely support brought more than just materials­ it rekindled hope. With renewed courage, they have begun to rebuild their home and their lives, step by step.