In the next few days, a Médecins Sans Frontières team will start an intervention with a mobile clinic in the state of Bihar, one of the most affected areas which is in the northeast of India and bordering with Nepal. In spite of the logistical difficulties caused by the rain and after exchanging information on the situation with other NGOs, the authorities and UNICEF, the Médecins Sans Frontières team (which until now was working in the area providing medical attention to Kala Azar patients) has spent the last few days travelling across the state of Bihar assessing the humanitarian needs of the population affected by the floods.

Bihar, one of the poorest regions in the country, is also one of the areas most affected by the annual monsoon rain. Affected by the monsoon rain every year, the population of Bihar is used to quickly fleeing with their possessions and animals and taking refuge on the roads and other safe areas when they perceive an alarming increase in the water levels.

The Médecins Sans Frontières teams have found that in the areas with large population centres there has been a limited response on behalf of local NGOs and the authorities and there have been no large scale health emergencies that have required an immediate intervention by Médecins Sans Frontières.

As time goes by, however, the situation will become increasingly worrying as, although there are groups of people who have already been able to return to their villages,for others, it will be weeks before they can go home. It is possible that there will be epidemics and other problems related to the floods.

In other areas of India affected by the floods such as Assam and Uttar Pradesh, the Médecins Sans Frontières teams on the ground have confirmed that the most urgent medical needs are being met by both the authorities and the NGOs that are working in the area. The people affected by the floods have taken refuge in makeshift camps or camps set up by the government, located at higher altitudes.

The situation in Nepal and Bangladesh is similar to the one in India and there is also a danger of epidemic outbreaks once the level of the water decreases. Médecins Sans Frontières teams are also carrying out an assessment of the situation on the ground and are ready for an immediate intervention if it is considered necessary.