August 29, 2008
Posted: 1203 GMT

BIHAR, India — We're stuck. The bridge ahead is bursting with water. Just a few hours ago the bridge was perfectly dry, according to the Indian Army commander we are traveling with.

Flooding has decimated northern India.
Flooding has decimated northern India.

We are trying to get to the worst hit area, Birpur, on the border of India and Nepal.

It is the exact place where the Kosi river has changed course after a huge breach in a dam in Nepal.

People are panicking. They rush the army as they try to get over the bridge. Soldiers push the crowds back but a few break free. They are trying to save their homes.

I am standing in knee deep water. The water has risen from my shins to my knees in a matter of a few minutes.

Everyone's nerves are rattled.

Mothers are crying, their children stunned, their fathers are carrying bags and chests filled with their belongings.

They are pouring off a rescue boat.

This is awful. All these people have nowhere to go.

What can I do? I feel like a complete jerk. I am here to cover Bihar's worst flood in 50 years but I want to stop and join relief efforts.

A soldier suddenly hands me a baby. I pass him on to his big sister waiting on dry land. I can't do enough. I am a journalist. I know what my job description is but I am torn. However, I am writing this so obviously I have made my choice.

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Jaspenelle Stewart   August 29th, 2008 1540 GMT

Just because you are a journalist doesn't mean you have to be inhumane and standoffish. I think it is a beautiful thing that you offered a helping hand, it gives me hope!

monica   August 29th, 2008 1751 GMT

You are helping by bringing awareness to us here in the US. It is a great work that you as a journalist are doing. Be sure to write with the passion that you find in helping these people

Kathryn Ashby   August 29th, 2008 1929 GMT

I was just watching Sara Sidner’s report from Bihar, India and I am furious that she and her camera crew would even consider taking up space on an army rescue boat that had limited space for rescued citizens, leaving many behind to only hope for rescue before it is too late. I fervently hope that she merely stood on the boat to make the report and then got off so that others could get on. In either case, the manner of her report could only leave one to wonder. In my opinion, the story she presented, while very compelling, was not very well thought out in her physical approach to bringing the story.

Mikki   August 29th, 2008 2028 GMT

I think it's great that you're helping. Children are beautiful beings, totally pure and innocent. Why not save them? God bless you....

Marcia Victor   August 29th, 2008 2043 GMT

Way to go Sara...get involved, do what you can.....report humanly and honestly....it's all any reader wants...Good Luck

Max Osse   August 30th, 2008 156 GMT

You equivation shows not only have a heart, but that you also know the importance of reporting a human crisis in a very human way.

Maricela Herrera   August 30th, 2008 512 GMT

I agree. You made yourself sound as if you did your good deed for the day. The only reason you helped is because a baby was placed in your hands. It was obvious the soldier cared less about you covering the flood and more about you helping. There are three types of people in this world, those who watch things happen, those who make things happen, and those who don't know what just happened, You were there to watch/report but made to do. Sorry that was the case.

Mekhong Kurt   August 30th, 2008 626 GMT

Good for you! You managed BOTH!

Sandy Johnson   August 30th, 2008 2148 GMT

Congratulations on making a good decision. of your profession, your HUMANITY comes first. Don't write a story and watch as your fellow human drowns.

U K   August 31st, 2008 1745 GMT

Hi Sara,

I am from Patna (Bihar), currently living in Atlanta, Georgia. I really appreciate your in depth coverage of my home state. You are doing a great job.
When are you coming back to U.S? It will be a pleasure for me to meet a personality like you. Shoot me an email if possible.
Regards.

Deb   August 31st, 2008 1829 GMT

You did help. Next time, and every time, follow your gut feeling and you'll have no regrets. As a former reporter, i'd suggest pitching in and when its over _ remember everything and write it down later.

Ramsi Hashash   September 1st, 2008 340 GMT

Experiences like this shape a persons character for the future. In general I hope that it is clear to the public that yes some times we are angree or upset at journalistes, but we also have to understand that many journalists experience things which other "normal" people who do not even leave the own state will never experience.
I am certain the images you will take or already have taken with your own eyes during this flood crises will be with you for ever. Just know, which I assume you do know already, you can not safe them all, you can not help all of them. You can only do your best and hope that others will follow your example.

Walk with your head high and be proud, since today you safed a life.

keep safe

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