120,000 flee worst floods in 50 years.

Byline: By MIRROR REPORTER

INDIAN soldiers helped evacuate more than 120,000 people from floods as bad weather continued yesterday.

The flooding, which officials say is the worst in 50 years, was caused after the Kosi river broke a dam in Nepal where it originates, unleashing huge waves of water that smashed mud embankments downstream in Bihar state.

Many villagers offered prayers and slaughtered goats to appease the Kosi, known as Bihar's "river of sorrow" for its regular floods and ability to change course. A village woman in the worst-affected Supaul district said: "We are praying to the river goddess and offering her blood since only she can help us."

At least two million people have been forced from their homes and a quarter of a million houses have been destroyed in eastern provinces. So far 55 deaths have been reported but the toll is believed to be many times higher.

Stranded villagers complained of an unbearable stench from rotting carcasses and the UN warned of the spread of water-borne disease.

Torrential rains have killed more than 1,000 people in South Asia since the monsoon began in June, with some experts blaming global warming.

CAPTION(S):

INDIA MISERY Rail tracks covered as River Kosi overflows