Christian Aid is providing £200,000 in aid to the flood victims in Bihar. The money will be used to provide food to 15,000 people for one week. Medical aid is also being provided. Mr. Peniel Malakar, Disaster Management Officer of Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA), a Christian Aid partner based in Madhepura spoke about the situation which he has witnessed: "I have seen with my eyes, thousands of people, mainly women carrying two to three children and walking in the flood waters. They are walking through the waters in search of safe places. 'They could hardly talk and many of the children are crying for food. Some women said, they could not feed their children as they have not eaten any for the last three days and lamenting how they can feed the small children. 'The old people could not walk and they are struggling with increasing water and negotiation between the flood water and death. When asked them where are they going, they replied that 'they do not know where they are going but with a hope that they will receive some food and shelter from somewhere'." Mr Malakar also said the men are mainly remaining behind to protect their homes and belongings. They are particularly worried about their land as they have no records to prove ownership. Drinking water is a major concern; many people are drinking the flood water, thus increasing the chances of water borne diseases. There are reports of additional flood water coming from Nepal and more rainfall is predicted in Bihar state. Madhepura, Supaul and Saharsa districts are the worst affected as they are in the direct path of the Kosi River after it changed course. Most of the population in the three districts are still to be rescued. The water levels are steadily rising in Madhepura, Supaul and Saharsa flooding more and more areas. Rescue operations are being hampered by heavy rain and strong currents; 20 people died after a boat capsized on Friday.
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