India floods

Oxfam has been responding to the devastating floods that uprooted millions of people from their homes in the eastern Indian state of Bihar

The situation

Monsoon rains caused the Kosi River to breach its banks on 18 August, resulting in serious floods in six eastern districts of Bihar.

The scale of the breach has changed the course of the river, with waters flowing into villages that were not previously flood prone. Some reports indicate that over 2.7 million people have been displaced so far. Critically affected districts are Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea and Katihar.

More than one million people sought refuge in over 150 relief camps after floods swept away their homes.

Oxfam's response

Working with partner organisations, Oxfam has been distributing food, water purification kits, buckets, tarpaulin and shelter sheets in relief camps in Supaul district.

When the floods first hit we used motorboats to rescue stranded men, women and children.

Our emergency relief work is winding down during November, as people return to their villages. Over the last three months (Sept-Nov) we have provided clean water and sanitation facilities in four camps and distributed food, shelter materials and hygiene kits to 100,000 people.

Case study: "We have regained our self-respect"

Now the water treatment and distribution systems we installed are gradually being decomissioned, we are visiting some of the worst-hit villages to see the conditions there and determine what may need to be done. We have already begun work repairing damaged tube wells and decontaminating their water supplies. This will continue for the next few months, as we do what we can to help people put this year's floods behind them.

Update: November 2008

ECHO (Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission) is supporting Oxfam's flood response programme in Bihar