On August 18th, 2008 approximately 3 million people, including over 2 million children, in Bihar state were affected by the worst floods in 53 years, as the Kosi river burst through its embankment in bordering Nepal, inundating areas not used to seasonal flooding. Over 3 million people fled their homes and thousands of people died. More than half the displaced were children, with families sheltering in camps, railway stations, tracks and embankments, leaving children vulnerable and at risk of such dangers as child labour, trafficking, and physical violence.

Save the Children supported children’s safety and well-being in flood-affected areas by establishing Child-Friendly Spaces (CFSs) for children aged 5-14. CFSs provide vital psychosocial support by giving children a safe place in which to play, re-establishing a sense of normalcy, helping children to integrate socially with other children, building life skills such as basic literacy, and engaging children in activities that enable them to express their emotions. CFSs also give adult family members time to engage in recovery and livelihood activities while their children are cared for. In addition, Save the Children conducted an intensive information campaign focusing on preventing separation of children from their families, both while in displacement camps and as they return home to their villages.

Case Study: India 6 Months On- Raj Kishore Sada