When you ask people in the drought-stricken eastern and central tarai "How are you?" they reply "I am hungry." That is the other side of the reality of madhes these days, one that is eclipsed by the headlines about the struggle for political representation, and news of violence. It is the humanitarian crisis caused by the failure of the monsoon last year, this year's prolonged drought, and the resulting shortage of food. This is affecting the most vulnerable and excluded sections of Nepali society: the Muslims, dalits, women, and children.

The prolonged political agitation had already affected the region's economy and widened the gap with the rest of the country. But the food crisis is going to exacerbate the suffering. A very small percentage of the farms in Siraha, Saptari and Dhanusha have irrigation, most are rainfed, and that is why there is the danger of food shortage.

The plight of the farmers and daily-wage workers has been worsened by frequent bandas and blockades on the highways. The administration existed only in name even in the best of times, but these days most government and non-government service delivery has ground to a halt because of the absence of staff.