At Ground at Forbasegunj

Forbasegunj relief imitative;
Dr. Manish, Mr.Raj, Mr.Alok are residents of Forebasegunj who have been working tirelessly
for the last 14 days in rescuing and helping the flood victims in the vicinity of Forbesgunj, including Bir pur where the breach took place.

This is the town that stood up as one in their fight against this natural disaster. Their videos
posted on Youtube gives the first visuals of the severity of this deluge. They have been fighting ceaselessly, a show of determination and mental strength that is difficult to describe. They have fought for every inch, put their life on hold for every life they could save. Another such person is Mr. Sanjeev Srivastav, an industrialist who rushed from Kolkata as fast as he could. Mr. Srivastav, a strong swimmer and a dedicated relief worker is trying his best to rescue and help as many people in any way he can.

He has motivated many youths there along with Manish,Alok & Raj and now they a strong 20 men team who are working round the clock for rescue people. There is a need for a larger relief camp at Forbasegunj. We hope to get that started very soon. For people and agencies that can help them.

Regarding the fatalities, only an estimate can be given at this point of time. According to Sahara TV, who have special correspondent in the effected area, it is feared that even lak people might have perished (Yesterday 7pm live news bulletin) . I would pray that he is wrong and the official figure is the right one. What we have at hand is still a massive evacuation of millions stranded in the Kosi, and their subsequent rehab.

Lets work on that as best as we can.

Kosi 's curse; Pictures tell the story..

Bihar Flood : Map of New Kosi Route : Kosi Changed its Course of Flow

Bihar floods-day 13

This deluge is turning out to be one of the worst natural calamity that this state has ever witnessed.Huge number of people and animals have been affected. Thousands of people have been feared dead, and the loss of animal life cant even be estimated.This has to be one of the largest flash flood ...3 million people are still trapped and have to be evacuated .Today Nepal released 2.5 million cusecs of water, and water level has gone up by another three feet.At places the depth of water in farming areas where crops were standing 15 days ago is under 12-14 feet water and the current of water is comparative to ritcher 5 of earthquake intensity.

Chandan Singh
From Ground Zero
+91-99317 63070
+91-612 6450916

Update from Ground- 30th Aug 2008

Nepal has released 2.5 million cusecs of water just now.
Water levelnear Forbesgunj has risen by 3 feet in less than one hour. Forbeshgunjis critical now.Beldaur at Supaul -Khagaria border is taking water.Supaul is cut off. Probably Forbesgunj too. News people says lakhs dead, govt of bihar disasterrelief website reports 15 human deaths and zero livestock death. I myself have seen more than 200 cattle death. The speed and quantity at which rotting dead bodies are surfacing,epidemic is imminent, we will be concentrating more on ORS n chlorinein coming days.Army is doing its job, but these personnel are not from Bihar andbecause of lack of local knowledge of river current, its a very riskyevacuation.The relief camps are the only good news, ppl who have reached thereare being taken good care. But you will not see a single smiling face,All these people have lost someone or the other.News channels have started evacuating people now, because they areseeing what is inevitable.Its raining heavily, death is everywhere.Where is our Airforce ? The mighty Indian AF ? They spend more fuel inflying daily sorties than what will be needed to evacuate thousands ofpeople. Where is our Navy .. which is credited as being one of thebest equipped relief n rescue agencies in the world.Who is stopping them from doing what a small country like Sudan( andin fact Nepal)are doing for its citizens.What are we... flood fodders ?Both the central n state govt. has been very insensitive to therequirements of hapless biharies.Out of 30 laks that should have been evacuated., only 3.5 laks havebeen evacuated till now. Agencies have three days to evacuate as manyas possible...cause after that there will ... what can I say... u canread it in papers then.PRAY, Pray for the thousands who have perished, pray for those whohave been trapped on marooned islands getting eroded from both sides,waiting for the final slide that will take them to their watery grave.Pray for 5000 navy boats tomorrow, pray for your brothers. ..Pray for a miracle.Meanwhile, we are doing all we can. Bihari people have shown grit anddetermination that few in the world can match...everyone who can helpis doing, without thinking about their lives. These unknown faces arethe hero ...the beacon that shines bright in this fortnight ofdarkness and death.All of you who can contact your home in Bihar,specially in nearbyareas in Kosi belt, ask them about any information on places wherepeople may be trapped.We will try our best to help them.I thank friends for all the support that they are giving..every second counts.
For relief contact
Mr Parvez Alam,(Dep.Collector flood relief cell)
+919431185767
Aapda prabandhan cell
0612-2217305/2215027/6452572

Red cross society in your area

09204060740,
floodhelpdesk@hindustantimes.com

chandan
9931763070
0612 6450916

Red Cross Bihar Flood Relief Camps

Red Cross Sets up Relief Camps in North Bihar - http://www.patnadaily.com/
Patna: Aug. 30, 2008
The Red Cross Society of Bihar is setting up dozens of camps in the flooded areas to collect and distribute food to the victims, the Society's relief director S. P. Singh said at a high-level meeting summoned by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna on Saturday.Urging people to donate cash, food items, and other items like bed-sheets and blankets, Singh said that those who wanted to contribute towards the relief operation, they could directly contact Red Cross officials at 9234741100, 9334102385, 9334102385, 9334172767, 9931705627, 0612- 2201035, and 0612-2234869 to make a pledge.Meanwhile, situation remained grip in five districts including Madhepura, Supaul, Purnia, Araria, and Saharsa with water continuing to make inroads in more villages and towns disrupting power supply, washing away small bridges and roads, and knocking off telephone lines paralyzing connections with the outside world.
http://www.patnadaily.com/news2008/aug/083008/red_cross_camps.html

You can donate cash, food items, and other items like bed-sheets and blankets Those who wanted to contribute towards the relief operation, they could directly contact Red Cross Patna officials at following numbers:
9234741100,
9334102385,
9334102385,
9334172767,
9931705627,
0612- 2201035, and 0612-2234869 to make a pledge
You can send Relief Material to Red Cross, Patna at following address:
Mr. S.P. Singh, IAS (Retd.)
Honorary Director
Bihar State Branch Indian Red Cross Society
North of Gandhi Maidan
Patna - 800001
Phone No: 0612 -2201035/6/7; 2226267
URL: http://www.indianredcross.org/east-india.html

Kosi Deluge Forbesgunj

No one knows where they will end up...but they have to keep moving..they have to be dynamic...to be fluid
like the unrelenting Kosi
Stagnation is death.

Fear writ all over...kya jaanvar, kya insaan..dis is the fear of the unknown.

The kids clinging on..father has difficulty moving..one false step, one slip and all will be washed away. The undercurrents are incredibly strong. They move shielded along wid the cattle. Almost 2 million people are trapped as river kosi breaks the embankmemt and charts 50 km away from its original path.

Update from ground 28th Aug 2008

This is Raj's letter sent y'day;

*Dear Mr Chandan,
Yesterday I went to the areas- Kathi, Bariya, Chunni and others. The
condition is worst there. I'm sending you the video clips which would
clearly describe the situation. The help from people of Mahatawa has been
outstanding who went with food packets on their heads & tubes into 2.5 km
inside water to deliver them to the most needy & returned from their at
about 8 pm in the evening. People residing on the uplands have been starving
for food since many days. There is hail lot of disease, small child and
other people are suffering from high fever, loose motion, & stomach pain.
They spend the whole night in darkness & in fear that they might drown by
flowing water current which was cutting the band from the sides.
Thanks to the rescue operation today which was strong enough & carried by
military people. But they still haven't reached the above areas.
Since forbesgang is a junction, & a well known areas for its surrounding so lots of flood victims are pouring in. The problem is these people do not
know where to go or where to stay. Relief camp needs to be established at
forbesganj.It will be best if this camp is controlled by a dedicated NGO. In fact I would stress it is done by your team. Let this be a model relief camp for all the others to see and follow the standards set by this camp. There
needs to be some counselors who can prepare these victims in the camp, how
they can start from zero for a better new life.
On 29th there is probably going to be a NGO meeting at Patna with the C.M.
We request you to please participate in the meeting so that the help to this area comes from the right hands.
Lastly would like to thank you for all the pain you & your friends are
taking.

Dr Manish


Rest of the videos u can get from youtube (flood in bihar supaul & araria
5,6,7)

I am glad that we started working before even National disaster team was
scrambled and we have been continuously working in the largest town near the
biggest breach. We have saved lives, many lives and that's what counts.

So when these people thank us,that takes away all the other inconvenience
that one faces trying to do what should be done.

chandan

Kosi slides eastward, wreaks havoc

Patna, August 25: With the Kosi changing its course and reverting back to its course prior to 1731, large parts of Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Purnea and Katihar in north Bihar lie submerged, putting several lakhs of people in distress. The last time the river had changed its course was in 1952. On August 18, a 3-km-long embankment was swept away at Kushaha in Nepal, about 7 km away from the Kosi Barrage at Birpur in Supaul. While the state Government is struggling to evacuate and rehabilitate lakhs of people, geological experts say that the river has started sliding towards the east after receding 110 km west in the last 250 years or so. Ironically, the Kosi Barrage at Birpur — meant to prevent flood — proved of no use as the river had become shallow on both sides of the barrage. The native villages of Water Resources Development Minister Bijendra Yadav, Disaster Management Minister Nitish Mishra and Disaster Management Secretary R K Singh are all submerged in floodwaters. Speaking to The Indian Express, Bhartiya Nadighati Manch convenor Bhagwanji Pathak said: “Prior to 1731, Kosi used to flow by Purnea and Forbesganj. It last changed its course in 1952. The river started sliding towards the west, flowing by Murliganj in 1892, Madhepura in 1922, Saharsa in 1936 and by 1952 it had reached Darbhanga.” The river is now flowing from Bhimnagar to Birpur, Araria and Purnea to flow into Ganges at Kursaila in Saharsa, completing its 225 km-long-journey. The unique geographical onslaught has caught the state Government unawares. The Government machinery, despite pressing over 100 motorboats and four helicopters into service, is unable to relocate people from villages that have turned into islands. Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi explained: “Supaul seldom faces such floods. The severity of the flood has damaged embankments and it is difficult to reach the people there. However, relief has gained momentum with disaster management officials assessing areas of concentration.” The Deputy CM added the Government would soon be raising a trained disaster management team on the pattern of Gujarat. Over 20 lakh people have been affected by the floods in 14 districts of Bihar; 42 people have died in the state, official sources said. 1.43 lakh cusecs released from alternative river route as against 22,000 cusecs at Kosi Barrage at Birpur, SupaulKosi Barrage at Birpur came up in 1954 Previous course of Kosi
• Chatra (Nepal)
• Bhimnagar Barrage at Birpur (Supaul)
• Nabhatta in Saharsa
• Mahesi and Chandrain
• Kopadia in Khagaria where Kosi meets streams of seven rivers
• Merges with Ganges at Kursaila in Katihar Present course
• Sunsarai (Nepal)
• Birpur in Supaul
• Bhimnagar
• Balwa
• Chhotaghat
• Lalpur
• Parsa
• Chhapin
• Sitapur
• Basmatia in Araria
• Tenghara-Bhokraha in Madhepura
• Sonbarsa where it merges with Sursar
Indian Express

Kosi devastates Bihar; 2 million homeless

PATNA: This is India's Katrina, only the challenges could be bigger. Like the Mississippi breached the levee to drown an unsuspecting New Orleans in the US, the mighty Kosi river in north Bihar has broken its embankment to pick up a channel it had abandoned over 200 years ago, drowning towns, numerous villages and rendering over a million homeless. Many are reported to have died.
Officials here say it's a catastrophe unlike annual floods. The brimming river has breached its embankment near the Bhimnagar barrage, close to the Nepal border, and is rushing down as a miles-wide stream to the Ganga, over almost 100km south. Unlike floods, this is not calm water but an angry torrent, making relief work very difficult.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said on Monday that over 2 million people have been affected by the Kosi. Ranjeeta Ranjan, MP from Saharsa, one of the flood-hit districts, said that over a million have become homeless. She said that over a hundred have died and she had personally seen bodies in the roiling waters.
What's alarming officials is that the 3km wide breach is growing by about 200 metres a day. The Bhimnagar barrage is just 12km away, and should the breach reach the barrage, huge inhabited areas of Supaul, Saharsa, Araria, Madhepura, Katihar and Purnea districts would be drowned, spelling an even bigger disaster.
Repair work on the breach has to be undertaken in Nepal, but when an Indian team reached there, it had to leave in the face of violent protests. Officials say full Central involvement in disaster management is essential — both to take up the issue with Nepal and for assistance in relief.
Posted by Chandan

Update from ground 27th Aug 2008

Dear friends,
I could not reach Forbasegunj, our vehicle was almost washed away near Naugachia, but it was our fault as we chose the wrong route. I am sending the following medicines to Forbesgunj by train, hopefully it should reach Forbesgunj by tomorrow evening:

Chlorine water purification tablets- 120000
Paracetamol 1000ORS 1000B complex 1000Entroquinol 500Domperidon 500Cetrizin 500Pot. Permanganate 1000
Life jackets, along with stuff like matchboxes, candles etc.
Situation is getting worse, with a new breach of about 1.5 km on the eastern canal system.
Senior irrigation department officials are camping near Bhimnagar acanalj in Nepal for the last week and now they have started to contain or at least try to contain the damage. Hindustan construction is doing the same on the western wing.
The whole eastern canal system is severely damaged. It will take at least four months to contain despite best efforts. The devastation on Nepal side is less and the government and the army there are undertaking the relief work in systematic and planned way.
Bihar government is also doing credible job given the magnitude of the problem, but that just aint enough. All of us have to chip in with whatever we can. Main requirement now are boats, they are the lifeline. People are stranded 20-30 km away, in the interiors . There are vast areas which are unattended because of lack of power boats.
I wont dwell on negatives, we hav to move on and stay positive, focussed and consistent. This catastrophy is going to linger around for a long time. Bihar Govt, SSB, ITBP, NDMT and other sub govt agencies are doing their best, but the magnitude of this flood drawfs all effort.
Today, despite their best effort, less than 10000 people were resqued. The struggle is on. To make matters worse, its started to rain again. I wil be leaving for Forbesgunj again on friday. To those who want to reach those areas, one of the best roure is through Nepal ( Patna-Muzaffarpur,Darbhanga, Jainagar ( Nepal Border), Inarwa, Biratnagar, Forbesgunj (India) This route crosses Kosi river above Biratnagar barrage in Nepal, its the safest way to cross Kosi.
I am attaching letters by Raj/ Manish sent today;

Dear Chandan,

After 1 week of our futile deliberately trying to tell different News agencies about the graveness of the situation in this part of the country, they have now all of a sudden (when one minister starts to call this more devastating than Tsunami) started to pour their stories some of which is still far from the ground reality. Actually the situation is worse. Think about flood taking away a member of ur family, ur cattles, home and after all this u stay surrounded all around by water, no way to escape, without food already for 7 days waiting for rescue team in vain. This is the situation of more than many lacs population. My brother called me up today from a place and cried trying to explain me their situation. Government cannot handle this alone or they stared it too late i.e only yesterday, 8 day after the disaster struck. They are actually too inefficient, too selfish, and undevoted. What we need is dedicated NGO's who can come here quickest and flood the place and start. Flood Victims who have been rescued have lost their homes and everything. They need food, shelter, clothes, for at least few days.
So we need 2 important things now.
1. Dedicated people here, who can come here soonest, have got the experience with flood relief and with rescue effort.

2. At Forbesganj we need to start a relief camp, a large one, which is well organized and maintained. We need Ur help on this one.

-Dr Manish
............................................................................
Dear Mr. Chandan
The water level and the inundated area keep on fluctuating depending upon the direction and water quantity in the flow.

All the rescue and relief work is concentrated at SURSAR, making it an ideal and model of rescue and relief camp. Other interior area is still waiting; whatever comes first- the death or the relief.

People, trapped in the river has started realizing that this is not flood but the river and are willing to leave the place before they die out of thrust, hunger and disease but there is inadequate rescue boats and team. Many villages are still unattended and the inhabitants must be hopeless about their survival. Dead bodies, not only of animals, but also of HUMAN are stuck in shrubs and decaying in water. People consuming contaminated water have started suffering diarrhoea. Victims have taken shelter on the banks of canals, Road sides etc. in dense condition. Their unhygienic habits and lack of sanitation is worsening the situation.
Epidemic like cholera etc. is bound to break.
The rescued and escaped victims are now in a dilemma as to where to go and what to do.
The question for them is 'what after rescue?'
Need is to run huge relief camps at bigger towns like Forbesganj where the victims from rescue point may be referred and entertained till their rehabilitation.
This is a long term and extensive work which requires not only huge funds and manpower but also the expertise and Team to handle such mega project.
-Alok

You can get in touch with them by phone or by email (raj_abets@yahoo.com)

All the medicines that have been bought are from flood relief collections last year, and I again thank everyone for helping the flood victims Special thanks to One Bihar team for having continued with flood relief work. The main requirement which is going to be determinative in saving lives are Boats and life jackets.
I do understand the pain and helplessness of all of you who are not here,and cannot do much about this tragedy.The strength and integrity of a society comes to the fore at times like these... and l can proudly say that Bihar and Biharis have NOT given up.They are fighting for every inch as they battle Kosi. They are fighting for the impossible, but they are fighting.
I am also proud that our CM has stood up and is leading the fightback with all that our poor state can conjure. He was the first to tell exactly how bad the situation was and how important it was for the people residing in the new path of Kosi to leave everything and evacuate immediately.This has saved thousands of lives.
The struggle for life goes on. Do not give up, do not stop from trying to do anything that you can, including prayers, for the life of millions who are stranded directly in the path of a hungry relentless river taking in water at the rate of 100000 cubic feet per second and levelling anything that is in its path.
~chandan

27th Aug: Chlorine Tablets

300*1000 Chlorine tablets ordered
thanks
Rajiv

From: Dr RADHA SHARAN GOSWAMI <goswamibhopal@rediffmail.com>
Date: 27 Aug 2008 03:03:25 -0000
Subject: Chlorine Tablets
To: Rajiv Vidyarthy <rajiv.vidyarthy@gmail.com>
Dear Mr Rajiv
IThank you for your mail
I am arranging dispatch through xps or fastest courier
Regards
Dr R S GOSWAMI
+91 9425007474
Cell Number HIND PHARMA 11G,Industrial Area,
Govindpura BHOPAL 462023
INDIA
Office Phone +91 755 2800515,
Fax +91 755 4286152

Update from ground 26th Aug 2008

Dear friends,

The flood situation in the kosi belt is very bad, and is going to get worse in the coming days.
The DM of Madhepura has ordered evacuation of Madhepura town and its surrounding areas. This order comes after water entered Madhepura today evening and water level is increasing sharply. This decision by the DM came as the government authorities were not prepared for such situation. The worst hit amongst the evacuees are the flood victims who had come to Madhepura to take refuge as their villages were washed away.

The people of Madhepura town do not know where to go, and the administration has no clue either. A few days back, all prisoners from Saharsa were moved to Madhepura as a precautionary measure. It is to be seen that where these prisoners will be shifted after Madhepura's evacuation.

As an immediate step, 10 lakh people have to evacuated otherwise they will perish. Bihar CM wants all affected people to be evacuated first, as they fear that as the water level rises, the victims cannot be reached in any way.

Mr.Nitish Kumar said that the situation is very bad, and if the flow and level of water increases, immediate step would be for people to move away from danger areas before its too late. It will not be possible to save stranded people if there is increased flow of water in flood hit areas. He said that the main priority now is to evacuate the people from those areas.

He said that areas of Supaul, Madhepura, Ararari, Purnea are badly affected, and if water keeps increasing and meets near Kursaila, then portions of Purnia and Katihar will also be badly affected. In total, 20-25 lakh people will be affected by this flood. About a dozen districts are badly affected. 16 blocks and 168 panchayat 470 villages from Supaul ,Madhepura and Araria districts are severely damage &
Army has been deployed in these districts.

I appeal to you to spread the word around and if possible, try to help the flood victims. I have been in constant touch with some people from Forbesgunj who have uploaded video clips on you tube, the links are given below:

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=skPVkqADBCY&NR=1
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=TW5ggTb9YOE
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=TW5ggTb9YOE

I am attaching email by Mr.Raj, whom I am in touch for the five- sixdays. The communication network is very bad, but somehow emails are getting through.
================================================

Raj Kumar Aug 22 (2 days ago) Forbesgunj
to Chandan
date Aug 22, 2008 7:33 PM

Dear Chandan,
Many villages have nearly been washed away & it is predicted that more water will enter the area from canals that r on the verge of breaking up. I cannot give u the exact figure but thousands of people r already dead. It is very difficult to reach out to them due to lack of convenience like boat.
Many people r on the roof starving for food which is difficult to be delivered. Except by airway. If u have a strong team who has the experience & determination to help in this situation of flood relief than pls come n help us to help them in the best possible way.
The farmers have lost their crops & home.
The boat facility is, limited to 2 speed boats supplied by the SSB. Otherwise the area was not prepared to face such a huge calamity.
From patna u can catch the train to Katihar n then next train to forbesganj. I appreciate ur willingness to help at such short notice. Effected areas--- Balua, Birpur, Chhatapur, Phulkaha, and all nearby areas.
Would be in need of chlorine tablets
............................................................................
On Aug 25

While appreciating your concern, I am giving hereunder the list of required medicines:
paracetamol 1000,spasmonil 500ORS 1000+B complex 1000entroquinol 500domperidon 500cetrizin 500
cough syrup (anti-tussive/anti allergic) 1000
Bleaching powder
Chlorine tablets
Pot. Permanganate
Sir, what is required more than medicines is the proper media coverage. In fact this is not flood. The Koshi has taken new route through the break and will continue to flow throughout the rainy season or till the repair.

The most unfortunate is the temperament and attitude of authorities. When we went to Officer in charge Dr. H.K. Singh at Local referral hospital, busy seeing patients in his private clinic, for Bleaching powder, Chlorine tablets, Pot. Permanganate etc., he was indifferent and declined about the availability of anything. The flood was well forseen and it has past about a week. Is it not astonishing that in spite of all claims of preparations by our C.M., the reality is just otherwise.

No drinking water is made available in to the trapped area, forcing the occupants to drink flood water. This is spreading diarrhea.

General Motorboats are ineffective in shallow water containing shrubs (disturbing the rotor blades) and the current makes chappu boat difficult. The causality rate is very high and the remaining lives are striving hard for survival. What we are worried is the epidemic which is bound to follow the incident.

Rest when we meet.

-Alok
Friend of Raj
===================================================

I will be leaving for Forbeshgunj shortly with medicines and water purifiers. If anyone needs any information from my end, mail me or call me at 9931763070 or email

Given below are the telephone numbers of Disaster management cell at Patna
0612-2215027
0612-2217305
0612-6452572

Please try to spread the word around and I am sure people will come forward and help the flood victims.

Thanks,
chandan
9931763070

Update on 25th Aug

This mail came from forbesgunj today;
While appreciating your concern, I am giving hereunder the list of required medicines:

paracetamol 1000,spasmonil 500ORS 1000+B complex 1000entroquinol 500domperidon 500cetrizin 500cough syrup (anti-tussive/anti allergic) 1000Bleaching powderChlorine tabletsPot. PermanganateSir, what is required more than medicines is the proper media coverage. In fact this is not flood. The Koshi has taken new route through the break and will continue to flow throughout the rainy season or till the repair.The most unfortunate is the temperament and attitude of authorities. When we went to Officer in charge Dr. H.K. Singh at Local referral hospital, busy seeing patients in his private clinic, for Bleaching powder, Chlorine tablets, Pot. Permanganate etc., he was indifferent and declined about the availability of anything. The flood was well forseen and it has past about a week. Is it not astonishing that in spite of all claims of preparations by our C.M., the reality is just otherwise.No drinking water is made available in to the trapped area, forcing the occupants to drink flood water. This is spreading diarrhea.General Motorboats are ineffective in shallow water containing shrubs (disturbing the rotor blades) and the current makes chappu boat difficult.The causality rate is very high and the remaining lives are striving hard for survival. What we are worried is the epidemic which is bound to follow the incident.Rest when we meet.-AlokFriend of Raj

I am arranging for medecines locally, consignmemt from Bhopal has not come in yet. I'll be leaving soon for kisangunj. If any of you know people in media, please ask them to have a look at Kisangunj.I had talked to them 2 days back, and had sent the contact to Alok/Raj then. They assured that they would be going there but have not as of today.

Flood situation worsens

The floods in kosi belt have caused massive damage.
The embankment breach and subsequent influx of huge water body has already claimed more than 4000 people. The situation has worsened because of the current of water,and widening of breached embankment...water is still flowing in.

At Forbesgunj, 2 boats were made available by SSB for relief..but the current has sunk the boat and its occupants. When the breach occurred a few days back, people rushed to high grounds for safety. The initial first breach. which was about 10 m wide opened up to more than 1500 meters within hours.Now, its impossible to plug it.. in a way, the river has changed its course and is flowing right into the heart of kosi belt.

I am afraid that thousands of people who has taken shelter on high grounds near the embankment would have been washed away by yesterday night as erosion and landslides have levelled down everything in the path.

I've been in constant touch with Raj at forbesgunj; the people there have arranged material for relief and are trying their best to help, but they just cant get in the water. Airdropping was the only option till yesterday.

There has been no media coverage, and the govt. which was very quiet , has at least accepted the fact and are rushing in team after team and conducting meeting after meeting.

Irrigation dept had rushed personnel to help its present staff near valmiki barrage and biratnagar, about 5 days back.. .but they were chased off by Nepali citizens.

Nepal has been very uncooperative since the change of government.

I had tried to call all media channels and newspapers as was requested by people at Forbesgunj. I hope they send in their teams to cover the damage.

Thousands of bodies are floating around, and when the water level subsides people will be able to see the magnitude of this tragedy.

I have sent chlorine tablets & ORS by train to Forbesgunj yesterday ..my colleague would be able to give more details once he reaches there.


Flood relief at Aurai block (Muzaffarpur) was undertaken smoothly...and stopped now as situation is much better & local govt. bodies are well equipped.

I am attaching a mail by Mr.Raj, whom I am in touch for the last three- four days. The communication network is very bad, but somehow emails are getting through.

I may be leaving for forbesgunj on monday/ tuesday, once I receive chlorene tablets consignment from Bhopal.

Raj Kumar Aug 22 (2 days ago) Forbesgunj

to Chandan

date Aug 22, 2008 7:33 PM


Many villages have nearly been washed away & it is predicted that more water will enter the area from canals that r on the verge of breaking up. I cannot give u the exact figure but thousands of people r already dead. It is very difficult to reach out to them due to lack of convenience like boat.

Many people r on the roof starving for food which is difficult to be delivered. Except by airway. If u have a strong team who has the experience & determination to help in this situation of flood relief than pls come n help us to help them in the best possible way.

The farmers have lost their crops & home.

The boat facility is, limited to 2 speed boats supplied by the SSB. Otherwise the area was not prepaired to face such a huge calamity.

From patna u can catch the train to Katihar n then next train to forbesganj.

I appreciate ur willingness to help at such short notice.



Effected areas--- Balua, Birpur, Chhatapur, Phulkaha, and all nearby areas.

Would be in need of chlorine tablets


+
`chandan
9931763070

Bihar Flood Relief – Your Contribution will save life

Bihar is facing its worst ever disaster in recent times and the koshi floods (river of sorrow) has ravaged the lives of millions (almost 50 lakh people) in the state. It’s impossible to even estimate the magnitude of the damage caused, lives that has been lost in the last few days as millions are stranded in marooned areas where no relief effort has reached.

Folks who have been carrying out rescue operations in the state have been in touch and the situation on ground is really heart wrenching. We are trying to supply some relief material and work with the agencies and NGO’s to provide support.

What is our focus?
Our focus is on providing clean water, Life Jacket and Plastic sheet for temporary shelter. Availability of clean drinking water is necessary to prevent any epidemic breakdown. Your donations are required for buying medicines & Plastic. You can also help us in purchasing these medicines by providing contacts.
These medicines will be delivered to Chandan Singh who is part of our team and based out of Patna. Chandan will take care of its further distribution. Distribution will be through some of the good NGOs working in the relief operations.

People behind this initiative
This initiative is driven by people from multiple bihar based groups. We have executed similar projects in past through these yahoo groups. Some of the projects that we have executed in past can be found at http://www.bihari.org/ , http://1bihar.blogspot.com/ & http://coolbihari.blogspot.com/

How these medicines will be distributed?
Last year also the group had worked for the flood relief operation and drive details are available on http://biharfloodrelief.blogspot.com/ .This year’s efforts are updated on http://biharfloodrelief2008.blogspot.com/

Transparency
Your donations will be acknowledged and account statements will be published regularly, you can track the development by this blog. Donations collected and purchases done will be displayed & it will be updated regularly.

How to transfer donation?

There are three ways you can support the flood relief activity.

1) By sending your donation to below account numbers. The funds collected will be used to purchase necessary items (Our team working at ground zero keep sending us list of items which they need for flood relief work). Items thus purchases are send to Chandan who is leading the efforts from Patna.

Online –Transfer your donations to ICICI bank
Name: Ashok Kumar Sharma,
A/C Number: XXXXXXXXX [ We are not accepting donations in personal account account any more. Please send all your donations to Prayaas. Please check details about NGO Prayaas below. ]
Branch: Jayanagar/Bangalore

ICIC0000053

ICICI BANK LTD

BANGALORE - JAYANAGAR

80-7 ELEPHANT ROCK ROAD 3RD BLOCK JAYANAGAR BANGALORE. 560011

Please mention flood relief and your name in remarks section while transferring funds
Also mention your name in the comments (will help us track).
After transfer send an email with the transfer details to ashok.1857@gmail.com
We will send you a confirmation for the same.
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Sending donations through NGO (Prayaas).
Institutional Donor and as well as individual can donate via our Sister NGO PRAYAAS
http://www.prayaas.org/

Please mention flood relief and your name in remarks section while transferring fund. Mention your name in the comments (will help us track)
Send an email with details to: Amitesh.Bharti@in.bosch.com
make a CC to: ashok.1857@gmail.com

Account in on the name of: M/S Prayaas
Current Account No. : 10447347087
Bank Address : State Bank of India, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Bank Code : 3301
IFSC code: SBIN0003301
Routing Number (Swift No.) : SBI NIN BB 147A
MICR number : 560002021

Prayaas Official Address:
Mr. Amitesh Bharti,Prayaas(r),
C1-201, GreenWood Regency,Doddakannahalli village,Carmelaram
PO, Adj. Wipro,Sarjapur Road,Bangalore – 560035, India.

If you want to send a cheque/DD:Please send the crossed A/c Payee cheque in favour of,"SBI, A/c Prayaas, Current A/c No. 10447347087"

Donar seeking Tax exemption under section 80G, please donate via PRAYAAS
The certificate & the receipt of your contribution will be dispatched by Prayaas. To get the certificate & the receipt of your contribution, Please email your name and address along with detail of your contribution to Amitesh at Amitesh.Bharti@in.bosch.com
make a CC to: ashok.1857@gmail.com

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2) We keep updating our blog for the list of items which are required at ground zero. You can buy those items and send them directly to Chandan and his team.

You can find the contact details of our team in the blog. Feel free to ask them how you can send relief materials directly to Chandan and his team.

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3) Sending money directly to CHIEF MINISTER RELIEF FUND.

Bihar Chief Minister Relief Fund
Write a cheque to
A/C Name: "Chief Minister Relief Fund, Bihar"
A/C No: 10839124928
Bank: State Bank of India, Secretariat Branch, Patna.
Branch Code: 153
Address: 'SINCHAI BHAWAN'
City/State: PATNA, BIHAR
Pincode: 800015
Swift Code: SBININBB156
IFSC Code: SBIN0000153
Phone: (0612) 2206684, 2224889
Email: sbi.00153@sbi.co.in
Put your Phone number, name and address on the back of the cheque.Deposit the cheque to the nearest State Bank of India cheque drop box
Disaster relief State Control Room Number:: 91-612-2217305/2215027/6452572

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NOTE: Kindly note that any left over money (In case we are not able to spend donated money) will be send to CM Relief fund. All donors will be updated accordingly when we decide to send money to CM Relief Fund.

Bihar Chief Minister Relief Fund

Write a cheque to
AA/C Name: "Chief Minister Relief Fund, Bihar"
A/C No: 10839124928
Bank: State Bank of India, Secretariat Branch, Patna.
Branch Code: 153
Address: 'SINCHAI BHAWAN'
City/State: PATNA, BIHAR
Pincode: 800015
Swift Code: SBININBB156
IFSC Code: SBIN0000153
Phone: (0612) 2206684, 2224889
Email: sbi.00153@sbi.co.in
Put your Phone number, name and address on the back of the cheque.
Deposit the cheque to the nearest State Bank of India cheque drop box.

NGO PRAYAAS

http://www.prayaas.org/

Institutional Donor and as well as individual can donate via our Sister NGO PRAYAAS

Please mention flood relief and your name in remarks section while transferring funds Please mention your name in the comments (will help us track) Send an email with details to: Amitesh.Bharti@in.bosch.com also make a CC to: ashok.1857@gmail.com

http://www.prayaas.org/donation.php

Account in on the name of: M/S Prayaas
Current Account No. : 10447347087
Bank Address : State Bank of India, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Bank Code : 3301
IFSC code: SBIN0003301
Routing Number (Swift No.) : SBI NIN BB 147A
MICR number : 560002021

Prayaas Official Address:
Mr. Amitesh Bharti
Prayaas(r)
C1-201, GreenWood Regency
Doddakannahalli village,
Carmelaram PO, Adj. Wipro
Sarjapur Road,
Bangalore - 560035
India

If you want to send a cheque/DD:
Please send the crossed A/c Payee cheque in favour of,
"SBI, A/c Prayaas, Current A/c No. 10447347087"

Tax exemption under section 80G
Donors in India can get tax exemption under section 80G, the certificate & the receipt of your contribution will be dispatched by Prayaas. To get the certificate & the receipt of your contribution, Please email your name and address along with detail of your contribution to Amitesh at Amitesh.Bharti@in.bosch.com

also make a CC to ashok.1857@gmail.com

Help Bihar Flood Victims

Help for Bihar Flood Victims
Contact
Vivek Kumar
Hyderabad
Email: vivek.learner@gmail.com

Chandan Singh
Patna
Mob: 9931763070
Email :csingh@gmail.com

You can contact Chandan for any operation support .
24 hour helpline at Patna
91-612 6450916
Mr. Rajkumar will answer calls in absence of Chandan

Red Cross Patna

You can donate cash, food items, and other items like bed-sheets and blankets
Those who wanted to contribute towards the relief operation, they could directly contact Red Cross Patna officials at following numbers:
9234741100,
9334102385,
9334102385,
9334172767,
9931705627,

0612- 2201035, and 0612-2234869 to make a pledge

You can send Relief Material to Red Cross, Patna at following address:

Mr. S.P. Singh, IAS (Retd.)
Honorary Director
Bihar State Branch
Indian Red Cross Society
North of Gandhi Maidan
Patna - 800001
Phone No: 0612 -2201035/6/7; 2226267

Beneficiary Name: I R C S Bihar State Branch.

(I R C S stands for Indian Red Cross Society)

A/C Number : 10217217506

Bank : State Bank of India

Branch : Raj Bhawan

IFS Code : SBIN0006917

URL: http://www.indianredcross.org/east-india.html