1987 Bihar flood

The 1987 Bihar flood was a catastrophic natural disaster that struck the Indian state of Bihar during the monsoon season, primarily affecting the Kosi River basin. Beginning in late July and extending into August, the flood was triggered by unprecedented rainfall, which led to the breaching of the Kosi River embankment. This resulted in widespread inundation across several districts, including Supaul, Saharsa, and Madhepura. The disaster caused extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods, displacing millions of people. Official estimates reported over 1,300 fatalities, with billions in economic losses. The flood highlighted significant flaws in flood management and disaster preparedness in the region, prompting discussions on future resilience strategies.