Sivasagar, August 1: As floodwaters continue to inundate several villages in Sivasagar district, nearly two weeks after the initial deluge, the plight of thousands of displaced families has taken a distressing turn. While immediate relief efforts have primarily focused on food distribution, rescue operations, and rehabilitation, many women survivors now report that their most pressing challenge is not hunger, but the profound erosion of their dignity and privacy.
Makeshift settlements, comprising blue tarpaulin sheets lining highway shoulders, have become temporary homes for those forced from their submerged houses. Within these exposed environments, women and adolescent girls are struggling to manage fundamental aspects of their lives, including menstruation, pregnancy, and childcare, without even the most basic provisions for privacy or sanitation.
Reports from these roadside camps indicate a significant oversight in the broader relief strategy. While sustenance is crucial, the critical needs of women – particularly regarding menstrual hygiene, access to safe sanitation facilities, and specific care for pregnant individuals – have received alarmingly little attention. Many displaced women voiced a collective sentiment: “Food alone is not enough; we need to live with dignity too.”
The absence of temporary toilets is a particularly dire concern. This forces women to seek secluded spots for personal relief, often compromising their safety and exposing them to significant risks. Anima Borkakati, a resident of Bishnunagar in Joysagar, shared her ongoing struggle to manage her menstrual cycle while living by the roadside after her home was submerged, highlighting the acute impact of this infrastructural gap. Addressing these overlooked needs is crucial for the holistic well-being and recovery of the flood-affected communities.
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