The flood situation in Bihar continues grim with people climbing on rooftops of educational institutions for safety, even as such buildings are showing signs of collapse.

For over 1 lakh people who have taken shelter in Saharsa town after the breach in river Kosi embankment, the situation is serious with fresh discharge of 2.5 lakh cusecs of water into the river by Nepal.

People are making a frantic search for their dear ones separated during their flight to safety.

Even college, school buildings and dharmshalas face the threat of collapse with thousands of people having taken shelter on rooftops.

Madhepura town is submerged under water ranging from knee-deep to six-feet. The swirling waters are entering the township with heightened fury.

Saharsa district magistrate R Laxman said around one lakh people, who have taken shelter in adjoining Saharsa town from Madhepura and Supaul are a harried lot.

In Supaul nobody is in a position to say from which river the water was flowing as the river has several streams which meet Ganga near Kursela in Katihar district.

In Madhepura town, the people had left their houses unattended and were seen marching towards Saharsa town and other places for safety.

The condition of marooned people of Madhepura is beyond description with two important points of the town � Karpoori Chowk and B P Mandal Square -- under water.

The toll has gone up to 76, according to latest reports.

Text: PTI

Image: Villagers transport their goats using a handmade raft in Basepura area in Poornia district in Bihar on Sunday.

Photograph: AFP/Getty Images