When natural disasters occur, displaced families’ priorities are their safety and ensuring they have enough to eat. Hurricanes, floods, and storms can wash away possessions, savings, and the means for a family to survive. In the aftermath, families often face the overwhelming challenge of covering the costs of repairing or rebuilding their homes. For those already managing health issues, concerns about continuing to afford care can become even more urgent.
Rataji Marak, 86, and her 90-year-old husband faced these realities after severe flooding caused widespread destruction in their village in North Rongkhang, India. Before the flood, the couple relied on their granddaughter for support, though she was only just able to meet their basic needs.
When intense rains washed away crops and flooded homes, the family of three had no choice but to evacuate and live by the roadside. For two weeks, they remained exposed to the elements, relying on food distributions provided by the government and by World Renew’s local partner, NEICORD. They carefully rationed what they received to make it last as long as possible. When they were finally able to return home, they were heartbroken to find it severely damaged, with the roof destroyed.
Through an emergency response project facilitated by World Renew and NEICORD, Rataji’s family received cash assistance for their immediate needs. They used these funds to purchase rice, vegetables, potatoes, oil, lentils, fish, and other essential foods. They were also able to repair the roof of their home. Importantly, Rataji could continue treatment for a hand fracture she sustained two years earlier while working in the field.
“The project has been a blessing to us as a family; my husband and I can eat healthy food and live in a safe house which protects us from the rain and cold,” Rataji said with a smile. “I can now move my hand and assist my granddaughter in household work. We are the most fortunate people to have received such support… I am grateful to NEICORD and World Renew; they gave us hope where we had lost it, and many families in my village are also being blessed by their support.”
To support the family’s long-term food security, they also received seeds, and Rataji’s granddaughter participated in disaster preparedness training. Together, they planted the seeds—an act that brought Rataji joy and a renewed sense of purpose. For her, these seeds represent more than a future harvest; they symbolize hope.
Thank you for walking alongside World Renew to share compassion and care with families impacted by disaster. Together, we can help build a future where communities are stronger, more resilient, and able to thrive.
