Thousands Flee Bihar Flood In India

Bihar, India (AHN) - Thousands of Indians from the northern state of Bihar continued to flee their flooded homes as the raging waters from the Kosi River inundated the state. Kosi River is known as Saptakoshi River in Nepal.

The flooding, which started Aug. 18 in Nepal, caused tens of thousands of Bihar residents to become homeless. It has also caused 55 deaths and the displacement of 2.5 million people.

According to the BBC, the road between Madhepura and Purnea districts is 10 feet under water.

After Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the flooded area on Thursday, he declared a national calamity and ordered the release of an aid package worth $230 million.

Angry villagers complained about the lack of food, assistance and shelter. About 124,000 people have been moved to higher areas in 106 relief camps. Most of them were from the 725 villages badly hit by the flood.

In Nepal, the 40,000 displaced residents have been transferred to government-run camps and schools, according to Nepalese Home Secretary Umesh Mainali.