The flood fury in Bihar kept rising with 26 people reported dead across the state since Tuesday, taking the death count in the current wave of floods to 126, even as most of the rivers were receding.

Nearly 12 million people have been hit in 19 districts of the state.

Officials in the state's disaster management told PTI the deaths were reported from -- Madhubani (8), East Champaran (4), Khagaria (5) and Begusarai (9).

Two separate boat mishaps in Begusarai district claimed the lives of five persons, including three children. Three of the bodies were recovered.

Darbhanga, Madubani, East Champaran, Patna and Nalanda were the worst-hit among the 19 affected districts.

Central Water Commission officials said all major rivers were receding in their catchment areas.

While the Ganga was flowing 33 cm, 99 cm and 14 cm above the danger mark at Kahalgaon, Sahebganj and Darauli respectively, the Burhin Gandak was still above the danger level at Sikandarpur (100 cm), Samastipur (273 cm), Rosera (254 cm) and Khagaria (32 cm).

Four Indian Air Force helicopters were making 18 sorties daily and six army and 3,428 country boats were being used in the relief operations.