This paper addresses challenges in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) during recovery by documenting relief and recovery efforts by Oxfam to improve WASH behaviour changes after 2013 Cyclone Phailin and floods in Odisha. Findings are based on a mixed-methods study in three districts: Oxfam undertook a cross-sectional survey at baseline and end line (n 1 = 374; n 2 = 366) households were undertaken in Puri and Ganjam districts in 2014. Qualitative data were collected in Puri and Balasore from 50 interviews including household members and key informants such as health workers, and government officials. 43 focus group discussions with female and male community members were conducted as part of the response programme. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data was interpreted using an inductive Framework approach. Agency interventions focussed on communal water supply, and shared sanitation facilities. Although households readily adopted safer water-related practices, there were no changes in open defecation prevalent in these districts. This study suggests that if WASH recovery programmes are to be instrumental in improving community health, sanitation and resilience, they need to emphasise on health education, addressing social norms, attitudes and preferences for open defecation through community participation and interconnected approach.