Women in Disaster: Adaptation and Livelihood of Communities Affected By Flood in Assam, India

The recurrent flood and river bank erosion by the mighty Brahmaputra River and its tributaries have brought significant loss to the life and livelihood of the communities residing in the flood plain of the Brahmaputra in Assam, India. The political ecology framework of understanding the flood and its impact reflects how the understanding of flood should go beyond mere ecological perspective to examine it as a natural disaster. It should also examine the question of structural inequality and its differential manifestations at the societal levels, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

The impact of recurrent floods and erosion on communities requires a critical understanding of its impact on women. The life and livelihood of the women of vulnerable communities living in flood-prone areas reflect the social dimension of the consequences of natural disasters. Women are not only engaged in a substantial portion of household activities, but they also significantly contribute to livelihood-generating activities. Hence, women are affected both within the household and outside. As such, vulnerabilities and coping strategies for communities to flood need to be examined, considering the social position of women.

On the basis of an empirical study conducted among women in flood-affected families in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, India, this article argues that understanding the impact of flood needs to go beyond the ecological perspective to understand the nuances of the effect and adaptation of a marginalised section of society including women. The Brahmaputra is obviously the cause of flood and erosion, but the nature of its impact is highly unequal. Women are most vulnerable, considering their structural position and a gendered approach to adaptation to flood and erosion is not just an effective strategy but a necessary one.