Guest Post by: Deepak Bharti, SSVK
Image and Content Courtesy: SSVK Floods have once again unleashed their havoc in North Bihar, this time ravaging Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga Districts. The floods this time have been caused by a major breach of 60 meters on the right embankment of Bagmati river near Tilaktajpur village of Runnisyedpur block on 1st August’ 09. By the evening of 2nd August, the swirling waters had breached their embankments at Baraitha Masjid and another place under Katra block in Muzaffarpur district. The worst affected blocks are Runisaidpur in Sitamarhi district and Bochaha, Aurai, Katra and Gaighat Blocks of Muzaffarpur district. The floods have been caused by the release of water from barrages following heavy rains in Nepal. Over 200 villages are reeling under the flood situation while 42 have been deserted and more than five lakh have been affected. At least half a dozen people are feared drowned but district officials confirm that only a woman has been killed. While many of the flood-affected have moved on to embankments, many remain stranded in villages. In either case, the flood-affected are living under the open skies without food and drinking water and likely to be overwhelmed by outbreak of epidemics given the inhospitable living conditions. Our team is already at ground zero making a first hand assessment of the situation. In terms of the first feedback, the most pressing needs are food, shelter, drinking water and medical assistance. Kindly see the attachment to access the appeal:Appeal For Flood Relief - SSVK