Source: Down to Earth

Severe flooding in Uttar Pradesh in 2022 impacted over 8,00,000 people, as reported by the state government, causing extensive damage to infrastructure. The flooding began on September 15 due to heavy rainfall, affecting several districts and ultimately taking the lives of at least 58 people between September 15 and 19. ActionAid Association conducted a needs assessment in 64 panchayats and found that 1,315 families in 600 villages were affected, with some completely losing road connectivity. Major rivers including the Ganga and Yamuna overflowed in certain areas. Overall, 274 houses were destroyed, and 722 others were severely damaged in the aftermath of the floods.

ActionAid Association provided 1,315 families with dry rations and non-food items in 6 districts of Uttar Pradesh—Kushinagar, Balrampur, Bahraich, Shrawasti, Siddharth Nagar, and Ghazipur. The dry ration kit included rice, flour, lentils, cooking oil, sugar, tea, salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and chili powder, while non-food items distributed included bathing soap, washing soap, anti-bacterial liquid, toothpaste, toothbrush, sanitary napkins, buckets, and mugs. Tarpaulin sheets were given for temporary shelter. The 1,315 families belonged to the most vulnerable communities—Dalits, single women, disabled individuals, the elderly, and children.

In addition, our teams continuously organized community meetings and orientations to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of the affected communities. For instance, farmers in Bundelkhand experienced crop loss following the floods. In response, ActionAid Association supported 2000 households by facilitating their access to compensation from government relief programs.