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Oxfam and its local partners are responding to the devastating Indian floods, which have uprooted millions of people from their homes in Eastern Bihar.

Oxfam has been closely monitoring the situation since the Kosi River broke it banks and has conducted a rapid assessment in the Supaul district of Bihar, the worst-affected area, where estimates indicate that 700,000 people have been displaced. Oxfam is now providing public health items such as water purification tablets, buckets to store safe water and oral rehydration sachets, as well as temporary shelter. Rescue boats have been used to rescue people stranded and marooned.

Monsoon rains caused the Kosi River to breach its banks on August 18, resulting in serious floods in six eastern districts of Bihar. The scale of the breach has changed the course of the river, with waters flowing into villages that were not previously flood prone. Some reports indicate that over 2.5 million people have been displaced so far. Critically affected districts are Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea and Katihar.

Jane Cocking, Oxfam’s humanitarian director said:

“It is critical that we get emergency assistance to these people in the coming days. These catastrophic floods have destroyed entire villages and left people with nothing. Huge numbers are still marooned with no food or drinking water. As well as helping people move to safety via rescue boats, we are mounting a water and sanitation response to counter the risk of disease.”

ENDS

For more information contact:

In India, Aditi Kapoor on +91 9810306200
In the UK, Rebecca Wynn on +44 7769 887139

Further information about Oxfam’s response will be issued next week.

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Rebecca Wynn
Press Officer
Oxfam
+ 44 (0) 1865 472530
+ 44 (0) 7769 887139

Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International and a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 612172.
Registered office: Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2JY.
A registered charity in England and Wales (no 202918) and Scotland (SCO 039042)


Contact Name: Rebecca Wynn
Company: Oxfam
Contact Phone: +44 7769 887139
Company Website: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/

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india | oxfam | flood | kosi river | eastern bihar |

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charity/voluntary sector
current affairs

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