Sat, August 30, 2008
Bimlesh Yadav and his family walk barefoot to a nearby town--all their possessions loaded on a single cycle.
SOUNDBITE: Bimlesh Yadav, flood victim, saying, (Hindi):
"We are going to Seharsa. The flood has destroyed our house and we are leaving to save our children."
And he's not alone.
A stream of flood victims continues to crowd these narrow muddy roads in Bihar's remote regions---
Thousands in this eastern Indian state have been forced to run as floodwaters swamped village after village---after a swollen river burst a dam.
The floods here have left atleast 65 dead---and displaced more than 2 million.
Many villages remain cut off as water levels continue to rise
In several parts, the brown, stagnant water has entered houses--increasing the risk of disease.
Residents say they have received no help.
SOUNDBITE: Heera Devi, flood victim, saying, (English):
"Life is very tough here. We are not getting any help, hoarders have hiked grocery prices, people are dying because of lack of food and drinking water. There's water all around, we can't even use the bathroom. What will we do?
The Indian government has announced $228 million dollars in aid.
But it could be a long wait for Bimlesh Yadav and many like him.
Officials said bad weather and strong currents were preventing them from providing relief to remote areas.
