LUCKNOW, Oct. 25 -- As floodwaters recede from Faizullaganj, the damage inside affected homes is becoming clearer; water-soaked books and notebooks have left children facing an uncertain return to their studies. For their parents, replacing the educational material has become another expense alongside repairing damaged houses and replacing household belongings.

Abhishek Mishra, a resident of Annapurna Nagar, said the floodwaters destroyed books worth Rs.4,500 belonging to his kindergarten-going son Samarth and books worth Rs.8,500 belonging to his daughter Samridhdhi.

"I work in the private sector and my income is limited. I cannot afford to buy all their books again this year. The flood has damaged our home, too, and I have to spend mo...