A short walk on one of Koshi river embankments in the Indo Nepal border showed clear signs of damage caused by the sudden rise of the river. Almost 500 meter of the embankment eroded and water was inflowing in the villages.

Koshi River originates in Nepal and is boon to citizens of both in Nepal and India. However this source of life, livelihood, and channel of peace had begun to raise concerns as heavy monsoon rain breached several embankments.
Incessant rain in Nepal since July 26 had the river flowing 5- 6 ft’ above normal level. “We have never seen the river flow with such speed carrying along trees and mud” Nirmal Yadav, a local resident had exclaimed.

Some others alleged that the river must be flowing 7 ft. above normal level, hitting the embankment hard.”
“It was a real worry for us; the way water level was increasing into our land and houses” Raman Subba had explained. The villagers narrated tales of how the other side (NEPAL) made tunnel to release the excess water pressure which later lost control, inundating 30 Villages (3 ft’ per hour) over the embankment turning roads into muddy fields, bringing 100 hectors of the paddy field with standing crop under sea-like water.

Almost 200 farmers have seen their livelihood devoured by the flood. 70 percent of the cultivated paddies have been damaged in early flood and still the water is inflowing speedily. Although loss of property and livestock could not be fully estimated at that point of time, people feared that the “worst was coming” when more water would possibly be released.

All these had given rise to a conflict like situation in the bordering villages of both Nepal and India. While the Indian side was willing to temporarily mend the breach with sand bags on their own cost, the Nepali side had stood in strong opposition, a situation where both sides had come to assert to save one’s own local situation.

Assistant District Magistrate of Supaul, Mr. Jha sounded his concerns as he spoke of these and various other social issues that would prop up with time. He said that the villagers were low on food and fodder. This would further aggravate the local economy forcing the villagers to migrate. These conditions may also add to cases of child labor.

SUMMARY OF CARITAS INDIA’S FLOODS RESPONSE IN BIHAR SO FAR.

• Caritas team is working in Supaul, Purnea and Katihar; these being among the worst hit districts..
• 2300 cash vouchers distributed in Supaul bringing purchasing freedom and power to the affected people.
• Nearly 5000 WASH kits distributed in Supaul, Purnea and Katihar are potentially reducing health hazards, especially concerning to young girls and women badly affected in the situation.
• Nearly 2000 temporary shelters in Supaul, Purnea and Katihar are now home to those who were pushed to roadside.
• Nearly 3000 people have been treated of flood water borne diseases by a qualified medical team of doctors.
• In collaboration with Pacific mall, New Delhi, Caritas India is conducting Bollywood music evening on August 26 for raising awareness about the flood situation in Bihar and Assam.
• We are grateful to International Caritas member organizations, HCL India, Start Network and Snapdeal for generous support.
• In the next two weeks’ time, the total expenditure for Bihar flood response will be close to 10.2 million rupees.