A Flood Experience in Bihar

Recently I was in flood hit area of Bihar. I want to share some experiences with you in this regard.

District Supaul in state of Bihar is my home town. It is one of the major areas which are grilled by river Kosi. This river is also called the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’.

The geographical condition of Kosi is much complex, that’s why any permanent solution of kosi river flood is not implemented yet. The origin of river is in Nepal hills (Himalayas) part, then after traveling into hills it comes to Bihar with a great momentum and current. It also knows for changing its direction every year.

On August 18, 2008, the entire kosi river changed the way at Kushaha (A village 12 KM from Indo-Nepal Boarder in Nepal side) by breaking the dam. It came into cities and villages where people were established. There were above 6 ft water level on the main market and roads. It affects nearly 4 million people, 15 districts and almost 1500 villages. Hundreds of people were dead, millions become homeless and also thousands are missing. Even after 15 days, millions of people were in danger and need evacuation. These are only figures and ground situation was more critical. Also these areas are the poorest districts of India. I have seen some mothers searching for her children, some person searching his old parents…...

Prime minister of India Manmohan singh declares it as National calamity.

I had got water phobia there. People were surrounded by water and grief. You can imagine the situation; there is nothing but water around you as far as you can see. Especially in the night, sound of flowing river water in the dark can create horror.

I was down on knees when I saw dead human and animal bodies floating over the running water. I was thinking how they must have struggled before….? All those unfortunate could not be rescued or escaped.

In this scenario also, without concentrating on relief and rescue operations some ministers are playing politics on dead bodies. Rebuilding of flooded areas may take 10-20 years to get established again. I had talked with a person who was the owner of a cold storage. He had invested everything in his business in the last 20 years, and he losses the same in one stroke. I don’t have words to explain this disaster. We cannot feel it by sitting in our offices.

This flood arises some questions in people’s mind as this situation may be prevented, who is responsible for damaged dam and why the maintenance work has not been done..? What was the fault of the 4 million poor people who suffered and lost everything…? Now also any high dam will be constructed for safety of these areas….? The donated amount which is in millions and billions will reach to needy people.....?

So many questions, but no answers…

In every religion, water is worshiped. How can the holy water be so cruel…..?

In the end, sorry I don’t have so efficient English to describe this devastation, but situation can be understood.

Thanks for reading...........




Regards,

Sanjeev Kumar