One aid worker compared it to the exodus of the Israelites as he looked upon thousands of people on the move across the north India landscape.
He was talking from the flood-hit state of Bihar where surging waters have affected millions of people.
Around him were a multitude of homeless people, fleeing their home districts by any means of transport they could lay their hands on.
Three weeks into the Bihar disaster and the relief needs are still growing.
Tearfund is supporting three partners in the humanitarian effort as part of the global church response. They are EFICOR, Discipleship Centre and the Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA).
All are running community kitchens in temporary camps for thousands of people who have been forced to flee their homes.
Most of them have arrived with nothing; the floods have destroyed their homes, crops and livestock.
Changed course
Partners are using boats to get supplies to cut-off villages where there has been no outside assistance.
Across the state it is becoming apparent that the need for food will continue for some weeks, until the deluge starts to subside.
The devastation has been caused by the river Koshi in neighbouring Nepal, bursting its banks and unleashing a torrent of water on downstream India.
The amount of water involved was so extraordinary that the river changed course by more than 100 kilometres. It deluged areas that normally are flood-free.
`The situation on the ground is grim,’ said Jenu John of Discipleship Centre.
`These people were not prepared. That’s why so many were affected.’
- Please pray for the continuing relief operation in Bihar. Pray for more boats to rescue people who have been stranded.
- Give thanks that disease has not become a major problem but pray that a cholera outbreak, reported in two places, does not spread.
- Pray for the safety of our partner staff as they operate in difficult conditions.
- Pray for God’s comfort for those who are mourning the loss of friends and loved ones.