Flood Relief in Cuddalore – From Survival to Dignity
In the quiet village of Sathukkudal Keelpathi in Vriddhachalam block, Cuddalore district, life came to a sudden halt when Cyclone Fenghal brought unprecedented floods. With waters rising swiftly, 180+ families — mostly daily wage workers — found themselves displaced, their homes submerged, and their routines shattered overnight.
When the Waters Rose — Fear, Loss, and Shelter
Displaced from their homes, residents sought shelter in makeshift relief camps. Even five days after the waters receded, roads remained impassable, homes were damaged beyond use, and work opportunities had disappeared. Families had only the basics — and even those were rapidly depleting.
Stepping In With Dignity — Goonj’s Timely Response
Women collecting carefully packed relief kits with daily essentials and dignity materials
In this moment of loss, Goonj reached out not just with supplies but with intention — through our Rahat Kits. These weren’t just bags of aid. They were care packages curated with empathy.
Each kit included:
- Rice, dal, cooking essentials
- Clean clothing and blankets
- Mats and sanitary napkins
- And most importantly — a message of solidarity
These materials brought a sense of normalcy, self-worth, and calm back to those navigating uncertainty. They helped people feel seen, not sidelined.
Holiday on for 10 days – A buffer of Resilience
Flood-affected residents in Cuddalore using items from the Rahat Kit for daily needs
With their surroundings still unlivable and the return to work uncertain, these kits became a temporary support system — bridging the 10-day window until families could begin rebuilding. Beyond just physical sustenance, the kits helped shift people from despair toward restored agency and emotional recovery.
H2: Not Just Relief — A People-Led Recovery Model
This story isn’t just about what was given — it’s about how it was given.
- With respect
- With urgency
- With the community voice at the centre
Disasters may be nature’s doing, but dignity in recovery is a choice we must make — over and over again.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
