The rescuers fear that the toll might rise further as the rescue operation will continue for the fourth consecutive day today.

However, the overall situation marked some improvement as the floodwater started receding with no more downpour yesterday. The power and gas supplies have also been restored in most parts of the city.

The members of the joint-forces and fire fighters dug 15 more bodies out of mud at the cantonment adjoining Lebu Bagan, Kaichyaghona, Sekandar colony and Barisal colony yesterday and Tuesday night.

With this, the death count at the areas rose to 71, sources in the district administration said.

Meanwhile, Communication Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Matin yesterday visited different affected areas and distributed relief among the victims. He also held meeting with the high officials of district administration and joint-forces about the relief and rehabilitation activities.

District administration has distributed a total of Tk 6 lakh 40 thousand, 14.340 tons of rice, 470kg flattened rice, 111kg molasses, 280 pieces of sarees and lungis among the affected people in the last three days.

Although the waterlogging situation has improved, many areas still remained inundated.

The power situation in greater Chittagong district is now almost normal with all the substations and feeder lines functioning, PDB sources said.