Disaster, Displacement and Rehabilitation A Case Study of Kosi Floods in North Bihar

Abstract

The Kosi river, also called as the sorrow of Bihar, is notorious for flood. It causes devastating flood
killing thousands of life and destroying property in billions. Many steps taken by the government to
control flood of the Kosi river has been unsuccessful, as the river is known for changing its courses. In
2008, the river Kosi completely changed its course inundating areas which was supposed to be safe from
floods. The flood of 2008 killed more than 50 thousand people and many more became displaced and
homeless. Displaced people had to face various problems like lack of livelihood, loss of house and property, lack of health and hygiene, increase in violence etc. Post flooding, because of constrained livelihood
opportunities, depressed economy and probability of future flooding event, many families have migrated
to other parts of the country and many of the affected communities displaced from their land for long time.
This study focuses on the extent of displacement caused by disasters in India as well as magnitude of
displacement caused by Kosi flood 2008 and the government response for recovery and rehabilitation of
the displaces. For this purpose, the satellite images of study area (North Bihar) were taken and the extent
of flood and its impacts on the area were studied. For the analysis, data is compiled from field surveys and
secondary sources, which give basic information on the problem. Data is also collected from different
organizations and NGOs in the form of statistical tables, maps and reports. They have been used to
understand the experiences of displaces and to evaluate the rehabilitation in the area after Kosi flood
2008