Heavy monsoonal rains have triggered a humanitarian crisis in south asia. India is so far the worst hit with at least 2 million people reportedly displaced. Television reports showed Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh speaking to journalists following an aerial survey of flood affected regions with Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi. The floods are reported to be India's worst in half a century. BBC News reported that the Prime Minister has described the floods in Bihar as a 'national calamity' and released an aid package worth $ 230 million.
Other countries affected are Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The situation has worsened with initial relief efforts proving inadequate due to the large scale flooding of areas not normally prone to floods. The disaster followed a breach in the banks of the Kosi river which originates in Nepal and Tibet and flows down to the Ganges river in India. The Kosi river has reportedly shifted 120 km in the past 250 years.
Reports:
IFRC Information Bulletin August 14, 2008
UN Nepal Information Platform
Indian Red Cross Society Flood Situation Weekly Update
