Flooding in India

Families in Odisha were severely affected by floods in 2020. Find out more and see how we’ve helped.

What happened?


Most Indian states experienced torrential monsoon rains and severe flash flooding from June until October in 2020.

Over 17 million people were affected across the country. The states of Assam, Bihar and Odisha were hit the hardest.

The disaster affected vulnerable families who were already in a tough situation. They were still recovering from the deadly effects of Super Cyclone Amphan and trying to protect themselves from the risk of coronavirus.

In the state of Odisha, flash flooding caused widespread destruction to homes, buildings and livelihoods.

Thousands of families were in need of shelter, including tarpaulins and other household items. There were no other agencies providing support in the area.

India map

Coronavirus in India


In India, the number of coronavirus cases is increasing rapidly every day. Restrictions on movement have made it challenging for emergency services and disaster relief efforts, and social distancing measures have made mass evacuations difficult.

But coronavirus only adds to the existing issues that vulnerable families face in Odisha.

People are struggling to make ends meet as chronic poverty is already widespread. Farmers who’ve lost their livelihoods because of the flooding cannot look for work in urban areas because of the pandemic.

Families also frequently face the impacts of extreme weather, such as severe floods and extreme monsoon seasons.

The coronavirus pandemic, poverty and extreme weather are all keeping communities from recovering from the flash flooding. Our emergency shelter is more needed than ever.

A woman and a man wearing medical face masks and sat down in their home.
Ratan Mridha and his wife live in the village of Taldi, where we supported families after Cyclone Amphan in 2020. Amongst others, we provided a basic hygiene kit to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

How have we helped?


A man and a woman wearing face masks are sat down talking
A Habitat for Humanity staff member conducting community consultations ahead of distributions.

We have worked with our partner Habitat for Humanity India to support communities in two districts of Odisha.

After speaking with affected communities, we found out that despite the period of time since the flooding, people hadn’t received support.

Most people hadn’t been able to recover, as they couldn’t afford to buy materials to fix their homes.

We have supported families with shelter kits including tarpaulins, rope and tool kits, hygiene kits including soap, bucket and face masks, as well as other essential household items.

Distributions are now complete.

Our response to Cyclone Amphan

Amphan devastated coastal regions of Bangladesh and India in May 2020. It was the strongest tropical cyclone to strike the River Ganges Delta since 1999.

Together with our partner Habitat for Humanity India, we have supported families like Nirapada Sardar’s (pictured) in the Sundarbans.

More about Cyclone Amphan

Explore more


How we are responding to coronavirus

At ShelterBox, we’re adapting how we work as coronavirus creates a new and deadly risk for families who have lost their homes.

Your impact in 2020

Together, we have reached around 200,000 people in 2020. Find out how your support has helped transform lives.