We are hearing all kinds of stories about the latest storm to hit the sourthern U.S. First I have heard of this latest 3rd World tragedy...

We all know why that is....

it has to be an earthquake or a cyclone to hit the 3rd world before it becomes truly newsworthy.... you won't find the above on google news for canada etc.

Sara, reading story makes me glad people like you and your partners in our world. thought of having to leave people behind must be heartbreaking, but you making difference and saving people lives. Thank you for that and please keep us update.

In 2006 eight social entrepreneurs in India spent months investigating clues for solutions to the tragic devastation caused by Bihar floods. They identified through extensive field interviews that, beyond levees now triggering massively bigger deluges than smaller floods of past centuries, the causes of deep human disaster include local economics and politics which distort flood control and flood relief and often take deliberate advantage of the victims. The saddest conclusion, of course, is that for years the human devastation in Bihar has been predictable, almost reliable, months in advance of the floods each year, and not because of nature and rain, but because of economics and politics.

Their assessment reveals how flood relief is foreseen by many as a “third harvest,” with private sector and government middlemen buying, selling, and bribing rights to relief supplies months before the floods even arrive, bargaining away goods, property and even children to the sex trade in exchange for promises of flood relief or access to flood management funds. It is terrible, and it has implications for national and international media, businesses and bankers, relief agencies, citizens, and many others.

I am eager to share this draft assessment of clues for solutions, in hopes of helping anyone trying to understand and address the deepest roots of this problem. Please contact me at Ashoka, dstrelneck@Ashoka.org, for a copy of the draft notes from this work if they would be useful.

This made me reflect on how this poor region is trying to help save it's citizens and how it took so long for the rich US government to help it's citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. God Bless you all and keep you safe.

I am from flood affecred saharsa district. Thanx For Reporting. Shame on our national (Indian) media who is under reporting the flood becouse these districts are poor.

Sir This flood will come again next year if high dam is not constructed in Barakshetra in Nepal. Please also highlight it for shake of 50 Lakh People living in these districts.

According to us (local people who know groud reality) at least 50000 people will die.

This massive disaster is direct result of the short-sighted policy of the Indian Government. Indian Government built a barrage (dam) in Nepal in the 1960's (about 60 miles up river) and embankments (levees) to control the Kosi river through a lopsided treaty. The treaty that India persuaded Nepal to sign gives India the control of the Kosi barrage and the responsibility of its maintenance. India clearly is at fault for not repairing the levees well before the monsoon season. India was not interested in helping Nepal harness the Kosi's power to generate electricity or build extensive canals for for irrigation. This Kosi barrage is simply built in Nepali territory for flood control so that Indian territory would not be flooded.

There are numerous problems with the location and the technical operation of this dam: Firstly, the Kosi river has a huge sediment problem which causes the river to rise. Secondly, the doors of the dam are kept shut or only partially opened even when it in critical weather conditions like one we are witnessing. Thirdly, the dam is controlled by the State Government of Bihar from its headquarters in Patna so the local dam authority is unable to react quickly to weather conditions or levee issues. Finally, the most important factor is maintenance has not been done in time or properly.

There is a lack of coordination between the Indian and Nepali Governments in this regard. India needs to approach the Kosi river problem from a bi-lateral view point rather than from their uni-lateral view of sole flood control. If not, we will continue witnessing massive flood related disasters in the future. It will be difficult to tame a wild river like Kosi. No wonder, Kosi is the river of sorrow!

Europe is truely Blessed for its good weather, the worst i have seen in Paris is perhaps ten inches of rain, and the acausional Hail. I woul hope the indian Goverment would have some sympathy on the Indian People living in flood-effected areas and regions farther south. I am sure this effects there economy, destroying rice patties, and vertile flood lands for crops and such, why nothing has been done is beyond me...

"Vive la France, Vive la Republique!"