People of Bihar have already faced the fury of River Kosi for a whole month. But all of us seem to have forgotten the children of Bihar. Food are in plenty, but where is the nutrition for the innocent kids who have yet to see their 5th birthday? All that a child needs is a packet of milk powder.
River Kosi, known as sorrow of Bihar, started breaching its bank on August 18, 2008. This led to devastating flood situating in Bihar, which is one of the worst in India. Although, river Kosi has changed its course by 120 kms in last 250 years, this is probably the worst in terms of the geographical and demographical scales, besides loss of property.
As per official estimate, around 18 districts have been affected in the flood with rivers Sone and Punpun also joining Kosi in their devastating act.
Kosi enters India in Supaul district and join the Ganges after Madhepura.
Population affected: 27,00,000 (aprox.)
Villages flooded: 977
Land area affected: 1.15 lakh hectares
Human casualties: 27
Number of camps: 313
Population in camps: 2.6 lakh
Smile Foundation have tried to come up with innovative and most needed disaster relief and rehabilitation support in the past, be the Gujarat Earthquake Tsunami, Kashmir Earthquake, Mumbai Floods or Chikungunya Outbreak.
SMILE's response to the Bihar Flood
Reacting quickly to the situation in Bihar, a team of 35 volunteers from Smile Foundation travelled across the flood affected districts in north eastern Bihar. The initial SMILE team worked on facilitating relief logistics and coordinating with various groups working in the area.
The second team from Smile Foundation started its work from Sept. 10 in the identified districts of Madhepura, Araria and Purnia. By this time food, clothes and basic healthcare were in good supply to the people who were still staying in camps; thanks to the efforts of government and numerous non-governmental agencies.
Children wait for little Help
Children below the age of five seem to be the worst victims of the flood and have missed the attention of us all!
Nutrition for the innocent children is nowhere in sight, though food is in plenty. Smile Foundation has projected to cover 40000 children who are in urgent need of nutrition supplement in the intervention areas.
Under the first lot, already 5000 milk packets of 750 gm (Nestle make) have been arranged. Each packet will support a child for 15 days on an average.
Let's Bring Smile for the Children in Bihar
Children below 5 years of age are the worst sufferers in the devastating flood in Bihar. The most urgent and suitable need is nutrition supplement and not food or clothes.
Smile Foundation relief and assessment teams in Bihar have already identified the most affected areas, need and target beneficiaries.
Target beneficiaries:
Projected children: 40000
Most urgent need: Milk powder
Focus districts: Madhepura, Araria and Purnia
Base station: Katihar
Come forward and be the reason for someone to smile!
