Sivasagar Flood Survivors Show Gratitude to Relief Volunteers

Community Spirit Amidst Adversity

Sivasagar, Aug 1: The flood-affected villages in Sivasagar are not just scenes of devastation; they also showcase an unexpected warmth from the locals towards relief volunteers. Instead of solely witnessing loss, volunteers are welcomed with tea, biscuits, and refreshments.

This heartfelt gesture comes from families who have faced significant losses due to the catastrophic floods on July 19, yet they are eager to express their gratitude to those who have traveled from various parts of Assam to support them.

For over a week, convoys laden with essential supplies such as food, medicines, clean drinking water, clothing, utensils, and hygiene products have been arriving in villages like Nepalikhuti, Bihubor, Betbari, Santak, Nazira, and Simoluguri.

In addition to government agencies, numerous clubs, social organizations, and individual volunteers have joined the relief efforts.

Residents have reported a steady influx of relief materials, with some villages receiving enough provisions to last for three to four months.

However, many locals emphasize that what they will cherish most is not the extent of the destruction but the kindness displayed by the survivors.

Flood-affected villagers in Sivasagar offering lemonade to relief volunteers as an act of gratitude (Photo)

In Bokabil village, residents, led by Banita Chetia, have been preparing tea for relief workers passing through for several days.

According to villagers, nearly 1,000 cups of tea are served daily to volunteers heading towards the flood-affected areas.

"People have traveled from far to assist us. We wish we could provide them with a proper meal, but we are also in distress. Nevertheless, we want to offer at least a cup of tea as a token of our appreciation for their efforts," Banita shared.

This hospitality continues even as many villages are still in recovery mode. Household items are strewn outside homes, thick mud covers floors, and several families are busy cleaning and repairing their residences after the floodwaters receded.

Seventy-year-old Pushpa Chetia mentioned that offering tea to guests is a tradition in their community.

"At 70, I have never witnessed a situation like this. The water has receded slightly, but many areas remain flooded. It is uplifting to see people coming from afar to help us. In our culture, it is customary to offer tea to guests, which is why we are serving it in any way we can," she explained.

A similar scene unfolded in Borpatra Gohain Gaon, where flood-affected families served lemon water to volunteers and relief workers who traveled long distances to reach remote areas.

Sanjeev Baruah, who came from Guwahati to distribute relief supplies, expressed his deep appreciation for the local residents' response.

"They have not allowed a single vehicle to pass without stopping. It is a point of pride for the people of Sivasagar. Even amidst such hardship, they are showing kindness and generosity. That is true humanity," he remarked.

While the floods caused extensive damage across Upper Assam, including Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat districts, the expressions of gratitude from survivors have revealed a different aspect of the disaster.

As relief efforts continue in the affected villages, the bond between those providing assistance and those receiving it serves as a powerful reminder that compassion can thrive even in the toughest of times.