Panjwani - August 2008

“Madhipura Goes 6 ft Under Water”

Dear Family and Friends,

This is the headline to which we awoke this morning. Fourteen days ago the embankment which held the Kosi River on its normal course flowing east of Madhipura broke, and the river continues to charter its new course right through Madhipura and the surrounding districts. The paper says two million people are trying to evacuate, most on foot since there are no trains running and few vehicles in these village areas. Food is not easy to come by, and the reports we are reading are grim. People who are unable to evacuate due to the waters are seeking shelter on the railroad tracks, atop trees or the highest ground they can reach.

Our thoughts and prayers have constantly been with friends in Madhipura over the last few days, and we have tried to stay in regular contact. Madhipura town is shut down and no stores are open to buy food. With flooding of the hospital and staff homes, the hospital has been closed and most staff have evacuated. There are a few who have stayed behind to help with relief efforts.  We have been unable to contact Mahender but heard today he remains in his home despite the situation. Speaking with Nayna in our village today, she said all homes were flooded. Her own family was trying to find a boat or vehicle to take them to safety but were having trouble locating anything. Pummi left with her family three days ago. Sunita and her family remain in their flooded home.

Please continue to remember these dear friends. We were told the water is expected to rise another 1 ∏ feet by tomorrow.

Dinesh and Shannon