EHA

August 27, 2008

A two-kilometre breach in the eastern embankment of the Kosi River in Bihar last week has resulted in the inundation of hundreds of villages, including areas that had not previously experienced major flooding. Official figures say, 55 deaths have been reported, but this number is likely to rise. With over 200,000 homes destroyed and at least 2.5 million people affected, the flooding in Bihar is a serious emergency.

EHA is currently conducting a rapid assessment of the situation in Madhipura district, one of the worst-affected districts. Over 150,000 people are severely affected, and thousands of them are still marooned in the villages, waiting for evacuation. The government disaster management department has set up relief camps in the affected district. At the last update, EHA has been allotted two relief camps to carry out immediate interventions.

Madhipura Christian Hospital, a unit of EHA, is also severely affected by the floods. The campus is under water, affecting normal clinical operations. Many of the hospital staff have been evacuated to safer grounds. A group of staff members have stayed back and are involved in the relief operations.

full situation report