Bihar flood toll rises to 168

With three more deaths, the toll in Bihar floods today went up to 168 even as water level at seven points in the swollen Ganga receded.
Two fresh deaths were reported in Lakhisarai while one took place in Samastipur, a statement from state Disaster Management department said here.
The overall death toll in floods in Bihar rose to 168 with the latest figures, the statement said, adding that 61 animals have also perished in the floods.
Meanwhile, swirling waters inundated 12 districts of Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Vaishali, Saran, Begusarai, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar.
According to Central Flood Control, the water level of Ganga receded at seven places - Buxar, Digha ghat, Gandhi ghat, Hathidah, Munger, Bhagalpur and Kahalgaon.

A total of 37.53 lakh people and 3.70 lakh animals continue to be affected by floods in different parts of the state, the statement said.

A total of 74 blocks and 2029 villages remain flooded due to rising water levels in Ganga, Sone, Punpun, Burhi Gandak, Ghaghra, Kosi and other rivers.
Altogether 655 relief camps are being run in the flood-hit areas in which 3.97 lakh people are taking shelter, it said, adding that 191 camps are being operated for cattle.
Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav visited relief camps in Maner and other parts of Patna district to take stock of the situation.