Patna, July 18: The flood situation in Bihar continued to remain grim on Thursday despite the water level in major rivers receding. The death toll in the Bihar flash flood mounted to 67, witnessing a more than two-fold rise in over 24 hours when it stood at 33. The maximum deaths were reported in Sitamarhi, where 17 people have lost their lives, followed by Araria (12), Madhubani (11), Sheohar (9), Purnea (7) Darbhanga (5), Kishanganj (4) and Supaul (2).

According to the state water resources department, the water level in Bagmati and Kamla Balan has receded. However, floodwaters have inundated more areas as water from the rivers flowing from Nepal breached embankments and submerged roads at several places in Darbhanga, Sitamarhi and Madhubani districts. More than four million people have been affected in the floods that have spread to 12 districts of Bihar. Bihar Floods: Worms Found in Rice Served at Muzaffarpur Shelter, DM Assures ‘Quality Food’.

Besides, the water level is rising in the Burhi Gandak and Ganga rivers. Bihar is witnessing flash floods following torrential rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal over the weekend. Relief and rehabilitation is being carried out by 796 personnel, assisted by 26 teams of NDRF and SDRF and equipped with 125 motorboats. With the water level in major rivers receding, the focus has now shifted to prevention of outbreak of diseases. Bihar Floods: JD (U) MP Faces Wrath of Villagers Over 'Negligence'.

"There is some improvement in the flood situation. The floodwater that spread to large areas is receding, relief and rescue operations are underway for the affected people," an official of the state disaster management department told IANS. With hundreds of villages submerged and thousands of people displaced, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed officials to provide speedy relief to all the affected people.

Meanwhile, senior RJD leader and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the floods in the state as a national disaster.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2019 04:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).