Help for Life – Punjab Flood Emergency
Why we act?
In August 2025, Punjab has faced one of the worst floods in decades.
– Over 1.4 million people affected.
– More than 1,300 villages submerged.
– Homes, schools, and hospitals destroyed.
Project Objectives
With the campaign Help for Life, we aim to raise €220,000 to support 1,500 families (~8,000 people).
• Food: dry ration kits and ready-to-eat packs.
• Water & Hygiene: bottled water, purification tablets, hygiene kits.
• Shelter: clothes, blankets, mats, tarpaulins.
• Dignity: basic health and psychosocial support.
How can you help?
• €20 = food for a family for one week.
• €50 = water & hygiene for 3 families.
• €100 = full food kit & blankets for a family.
• €500 = temporary shelter for 5 families.
Who we are?
The Indian Culture Centre of Barcelona is a non-profit committed to culture and solidarity. During COVID-19, we supported vulnerable families with food and PPE, and have run fundraising campaigns to help victims of natural disasters in India. Now we mobilize for Punjab.
FINAL ACTIVITY REPORT
Project: Aid for Life – Emergency in Punjab, India Catalan Fund for Development Cooperation Indian Culture Centre Foundation (Barcelona) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Welfare Society Implementation: Winter 2025-2026-March 2026
1. Introduction
The project “Aid for Life – Emergency in Punjab, India” was launched with the aim of providing a rapid response to the basic needs of families affected by the floods in Gurdaspur district. The intervention was carried out in two complementary phases, adapting the aid to the needs identified on the ground. The first phase prioritised protection against low temperatures through the distribution of winter blankets. The second phase subsequently focused on guaranteeing access to basic food for families who remained in a situation of vulnerability.
2. Project objectives
- To provide immediate humanitarian aid to affected families.
- To protect the most vulnerable people during winter.
- To guarantee access to basic food.
- To promote a transparent, equitable distribution coordinated with local volunteers.
- To strengthen cooperation between the Indian Culture Centre Foundation and the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Welfare Society.
3. Actions carried out
PHASE I – During the winter months, 500 blankets were purchased and distributed among approximately 300 families (more than 1,500 people). Distribution took place directly in the worst-affected communities, with the participation of 20 volunteers.
PHASE II – In March 2026, 200 basic food packages were prepared and distributed, consisting mainly of rice, flour, cooking oil, pulses, sugar, salt and other essential products. This action benefited approximately 200 families (close to 1,000 people).
4. Results
| Indicator PDF | Phase I PDF | Phase II PDF | Total PDF |
| Families | 300 | 200 | 500 |
| People | 1,500 | 1,000 | 2,500 |
| Aid | 500 blankets | 200 packages | 700 deliveries |
| Volunteers | 20 | 18 | 38 |
| Budget | €5,333 | €6,000 | €11,333 |
5. Project impact
The project has helped reduce the immediate effects of the humanitarian emergency, providing protection against the cold and food support to families with fewer resources. Purchasing materials from local suppliers also had a positive impact on the local economy. The involvement of volunteers made it possible to carry out an efficient, transparent distribution close to the community.
6. Financial assessment
The first phase executed a budget of approximately €5,333 (including logistics costs covered by the implementing organisation). The second phase executed a budget of €6,000, allocated mainly to the purchase of food and to transport and packaging costs. The overall project budget amounted to approximately €11,333.
7. Conclusions
Both phases of the project achieved their intended objectives and provided support to approximately 500 families, equivalent to around 2,500 people. The initiative demonstrated the effectiveness of the collaboration between the Indian Culture Centre Foundation and the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Welfare Society, as well as the importance of sustaining humanitarian aid initiatives aimed at the most vulnerable people. It is recommended that this type of intervention be continued in future emergency situations.
🌍 International Press
The Guardian – ‘Everything is gone’: Punjabi farmers suffer worst floods in three decades
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/06/everything-gone-punjabi-farmers-suffer-worst-floods-three-decades?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Associated Press (AP) – Punjab floods hit both India and Pakistan, forcing evacuations
https://apnews.com/article/f128d5629f50c5d75020fcee3b8fcce4?utm_source=chatgpt.com
India Times – Volunteers send boats, rations, mosquito nets; state unites in relief efforts
https://indiatimes.com/trending/punjab-flood-volunteers-send-boats-rations-mosquito-nets-state-unites-in-relief-efforts-as-thousands-stranded-in-villages-668589.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
🇮🇳 Indian Press
Times of India – 23 houses damaged, crops submerged in Patiala
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/23-houses-damaged-crops-submerged-in-patiala-dc-reviews-relief-efforts/articleshow/123736818.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Times of India – Crop loss: Gurdaspur worst hit in Punjab
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/crop-loss-gurdaspur-worst-hit-in-punjab/articleshow/123725470.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Times of India – 105 villages in Patiala hit by floods
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/105-villages-in-patiala-hit-by-floods/articleshow/123723794.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Hindustan Times – Punjab’s worst floods in decades claim 29 lives, 3 missing
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/punjabs-worst-floods-in-decades-claims-29-lives-three-missing-101756724926042.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
🇪🇸 Spanish Press
La Vanguardia – Graves inundaciones en el Punjab, India: miles de personas desplazadas
https://www.lavanguardia.com/internacional
El País – El estado del Punjab, en India, sufre las peores inundaciones en décadas
https://elpais.com/internacional
El Periódico – Emergencia humanitaria en India por las inundaciones en Punjab
https://www.elperiodico.com/es/internacional
