Patna, Sep 26 (IANS) More than 20 people have died in rain-lashed Bihar since last week with most deaths occurring due to collapse of walls or houses, while the meteorological department here Tuesday predicted no more heavy downpours.

In Muzaffarpur district, seven people including four rickshaw pullers died when the walls of their garage collapsed.

Similarly, in Katihar district, four children were killed after the walls of their house caved in.

Death of at least one or two people each due to collapse of mud walls at different places in Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Saharsa and Aurangabad districts was also reported.

Only two days ago, six of a family died when their house made of clay and mud gave in following incessant rains in Biharsharif, district headquarters of Nalanda.

Most rivers including the Ganga, Punpun, Bagmati, Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda and Adhwara were maintaining a rising trend because of continuous rains.

A flood-like situation was reported from several districts but worst affected were Bhagalpur, Banka, Nalanda, Sheohar, Samastipur, Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur. A large part of Bhagalpur was cut off. All the schools in the district were closed.

The road link between Patna and Gaya was snapped after the swollen Darda river in Dhanaruwa washed out the diversion built for the under-construction bridge.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed all district magistrates to remain alert and extend relief to the flood victims. He also promised to provide concrete houses, social security pension and expenses for medical treatment to all victims.

In the state capital, the schools were closed Monday in view of the havoc created by the rains. Many localities in the city were waterlogged.