Flood-affected families stuck between relief camps, ruined homes

EVEN AS PEOPLE PREPARE FOR THE LONG TASK OF RECLAIMING THEIR HOMES, THE YAMUNA IS SHOWING SIGNS OF RETREAT

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Safeena, 39, has been staying at a relief camp in Mori Gate for flood-affected families of Delhi. The aforementioned “relief” at the camp only refers to respite from absolute distress.

While her family could flee the raging Yamuna waters with the most valuable articles — important documents and jewellery, but the everyday essentials that run a home, the kitchen articles, the beds and mattresses, are likely washed away. That is debt, adding to the already existing burden of prior borrowings.

“We somehow saved our papers and jewellery, but the things that cost the most, our beds, mattresses and kitchen utensils, are all still there. We don’t know if they have been washed away or are lying under the silt. Now we have to buy everything again,” she said.

‘The economic burden is forcing more members of families to look for work.