Patna: Flood fury in Bihar continued unabated with major rivers including Ganga in spate inundating fresh low-lying areas along their courses even as the Army stepped up relief and rescue operations in the 22 flood-ravaged districts of Bihar.

The death toll in the current spell of floods rose to 158 with four more deaths reported from flood- affected districts of Munger and Begusarai.

A Munger report quoting officials said while one died of snake-bite, two others were drowned in swollen Ganga at Jharkhaha village.

One person identified as Ramashraya Singh was swept away by the strong currents of river Ganga at Sihma village of Begusarai district.

Army personnel with mechanised boats continued to provide relief materials to affected persons in the four worst-affected districts of Patna, Vaishali, Saran and Bhagalpur.

According to Central Water Commission bulletin, the Ganga was flowing above the danger mark by 75 cm, 81 cm, 145 cm, 95 cm 46 cm, 174 cm and 204 cm at Buxar, Dighaghat, Gandhighat (in Patna), Hatidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon and Farakka respectively.

Other major rivers like Sone, Ghagra, Gandak, Burhi and Gandakkosi were also flowing above the red mark at different places in the state.

The weather office on September 15 predicted medium to heavy rains in the upper catchment areas of North Bihar rivers and River Sone.

PTI