Humanitarian Response to Floods in Gujarat – ActionAid India
+91 80 25586293

Humanitarian Response to Floods in Gujarat

Published on: Monday, 12th September 2022

Author: Priyanka Khullar (with inputs from Sushila Prajapati)

Over June and July 2022, the state of Gujarat bore the brunt of heavy rains, flash floods and rain-related incidents. With villages and slums across several districts inundated, crops ruined, and houses and other community infrastructure damaged, the marginalised communities needed urgent support. Community-based Human Rights Defenders working with us promptly swung into action in the worst-hit districts, conducting needs-assessment in affected areas together with local communities and mapping those most disadvantaged.

Subsequently, we initiated the distribution of relief material to the households identified, covering a total of 32 villages and 15 urban locations across Ahmedabad, Kutch, Navsari and Vadodara districts. We reached out with dry ration kits to 150 most vulnerable families in Ahmedabad city; 150 such families in Anjar and Rapar blocks of Kutch; 200 such families in Chikhali, Khergam and Navsari blocks of Navsari; and 200 such families in Dabhoi, Shinor, Waghodia and Bodeli blocks of Vadodara. We also supported 500 households across the four districts with tarpaulin sheets to cover their leaking or blown-away roofs, helping them stay safe in their houses.

People living in poverty and exclusion, including the Nomadic Tribes and De-Notified Tribes (NT-DNTs), Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Dalits, minority communities, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), single women and transgender persons, were at the centre of our response.

As part of our humanitarian efforts, we always ensure community-led responses that promote the dignity of the affected communities. We work with proven processes of accountability and transparency to all stakeholders, including the communities we serve.