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Indian Floods - August 2008

Young boys wait to be evacuated by a rescue team - Photo: Alertnet REUTERS

In the northern Indian state of Bihar millions of people were made homeless after heavy monsoon rains caused major flooding.

The disaster began when a dam in neighbouring Nepal burst on August 18th 2008 causing the Kosi River (also known as the River of Sorrow) to breach its banks and change course.

Hundreds of people drowned and crops on tens of thousands of hectares of land have been destroyed.

Many families have lost everything and are now living in cramped temporary shelters where hunger and disease are a constant threat.

A family huddle in a makeshift shelter on the waters edge - Photo: Alertnet REUTERS

Vital resources provided

The money donated to SCIAF is providing food rations, cooking utensils, temporary shelter, and other essentials to 54,000 families in eight districts of Bihar.

SCIAF and its partners, Caritas India are providing food, blankets, cooking equipment, shelter, and health and hygiene services to people living in temporary camps to help protect against the spread of disease and enable families to live with dignity.

You can help SCIAF to continue its lifesaving work – Donate Now