Watch part two

In August 2008, the barrage of the Koshi river between India and Nepal burst.

The water that gushed out of the barrage took with it over 2,000 lives and made millions homeless. Acres of arable land were submerged in water and now an entire civilisation built on the banks of the Koshi river is under threat.

The disaster was initially reported as a natural calamity, caused by heavy monsoon rains. However, important voices are emerging which suggest that it could have been prevented. 

For years experts had been warning that it could burst any day but carelessness and corruption meant that the Koshi dam was left crumbling, compromising the lives of millions living around the river.

People & Power captures the stories of people whose lives have been devastated by the flooding, exploring allegations that it could have been avoided if the dam was properly maintained.

This episode of People & Power aired from Saturday, January 31, 2009.