When devastating monsoon rains inundated northeastern India in July 2026, floodwaters swept through Sivasagar, Assam, submerging villages to chest height in minutes. Across the state, the deluge displaced more than 26,000 families, washing away livestock, crops, and household belongings. Following an emergency relief distribution in September, Tzu Chi volunteers returned to Assam from October 7 to 11 to complete a second phase of aid and lay the foundation for long-term recovery.

Warmth above the damp ground

In flood-affected tea garden communities such as Amguri and Nepali Khuti, many families sleep on floor mats that remained cold, damp, and contaminated, long after the waters receded. With winter approaching, Tzu Chi mobilized 29 truckloads of supplies from Bodh Gaya and Malaysia to restore safety and dignity to 1,174 households. Each family received a sturdy steel bed frame, mattress, warm quilt, water filter, and electric fan.

Volunteers worked hand-in-hand with local youth from the AYAN Foundation, who set up orderly registration lines and helped elderly residents carry the heavy bed frames home. The practical aid brought visible relief to residents.

When you give with such pure blessings, it touches our hearts deeply. The floodwaters washed away everything—not a single item was left. You traveled from so far away and embraced us with such care. Having these items restored brings true happiness back to our lives. — Sombari Urang, resident of Amguri

Fellow villager Suresh Rajput echoed her gratitude:

With the cold weather arriving, the bed and especially the blanket are essential. From our side, we express our heartfelt thanks to the Tzu Chi Foundation. We are very happy and truly grateful.

Building a resilient tomorrow

Beyond emergency aid, Tzu Chi is committed to helping displaced families rebuild their lives on safe ground. On October 10, Tzu Chi Foundation Vice President Pi-yu Lin (林靜憪) traveled to Sivasagar to inspect prospective relocation land alongside local engineers and community partners.

That afternoon, Vice President Lin met with Shri Mayur Borgohain, Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly representing the Nazira constituency, to formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of post-disaster Great Love Village. The planned community will provide climate-resilient housing to families who lost their homes to the flood.

The following morning, Vice President Lin conducted home visits across the flood-ravaged villages. Stepping into the simple dwellings, she listened as residents pointed to high-water marks and embraced a 90-year-old grandmother, offering comfort and reassurance. Inside, the newly distributed steel bed frames, mattresses, and water filtration units were already assembled and in use, lifting families off the damp ground.

Seeing families elevated off the damp ground and into safer, warmer spaces, volunteers witnessed immediate comfort restored—and the promise of lasting recovery taking root in Assam.