The global COVID-19 outbreak and the nation-wide lockdown that resulted has hit hard, affecting millions of people in an unfolding human tragedy. It has led to tremendous economic and social pressure in addition to fear and panic among citizens.

Like their counterparts in other countries, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, is treating COVID-19 as a “notified disaster” and providing assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund.

But while taking practical measures to combat the infection rate, it is also important to address the immediate concerns of vulnerable communities, including emergency food relief and community-oriented psycho-social support.

A case study from Guwahati, north-eastern India