Affected Areas
Flooding occurred throughout the Kosi River valley in northern Bihar, in the districts of Supaul, Araria, Saharsa, Madhepura, Bhagalpur, West Champaran and Purnea. The southeast Tarai ecoregion of Nepal was also affected.
The flood killed 250 people and forced nearly 3 million people from their homes in Bihar. More than 300,000 houses were destroyed and at least 340,000 hectares (840,000 acres) of crops were damaged. Villagers in Bihar ate raw rice and flour mixed with polluted water. Hunger and disease were widespread. The Supaul district was the worst-hit; surging waters swamped 1,000 square kilometres (247,000 acres) of farmlands, destroying crops.
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The Kosi before it flooded in August 2008
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The Kosi during the August 2008 flood
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Satellite image of flood waters in Bihar as of 31 August 2008; Image:UNOSAT
Read more about this topic: 2008 Bihar Flood
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