Death toll in India floods, rains rises to 180

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI, India (AA) - Floods and heavy rainfall in different parts of India continued to wreak havoc on Wednesday, with at least 176 people killed in the eastern states of Assam and Bihar, said an official.

Another four died because of heavy rains in the southern state of Kerala.

In Assam, more than 95,000 displaced people were given shelter in 757 relief camps set up by district administrations.

The situation in Bihar has worsened, with almost 7 million people in 12 districts affected by floods.

The death toll of animals also rose to a total of 204, including 15 rhinos in Kaziranga National Park, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority.

"The district administration in different districts were instructed to provide relief to those affected. We hope the situation soon improves," Water Resources Minister Sanjay Jha told Anadolu Agency.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several states on Wednesday.

Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday, according to a statement by the department.

- Lightning strikes kill 32 in Bihar

Moreover, at least 32 people were killed in incidents of lightning strikes across Bihar in 24 hours, according to figures released by the Disaster Management Department .

The state government announced that the next of kin of victims would receive 4 million rupees ($5882) in compensation.