Odisha’s 2026 floods highlighted that saving lives is only the initial phase of humanitarian response. As waters recede, a secondary emergency emerges for individuals with disabilities, single women, the elderly, and landless laborers who face challenges in accessing aid.
The state government has announced a Rs 1,000-crore special relief package to support recovery and livelihood restoration in flood-affected districts. This package includes agricultural input assistance, support for livestock losses, restoration of fishing equipment, and aid for artisans and weavers.
Civil society organizations are playing a crucial role in ensuring that relief benefits reach the most vulnerable populations who may struggle to access official systems. The recovery process emphasizes rebuilding resilient infrastructure and strengthening community-led disaster risk reduction efforts, focusing on inclusivity for women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
Source: Down To Earth