Bhubaneswar, July 15 - The death toll in flash floods that was triggered by heavy monsoon rains rose to 15 in Orissa Wednesday, officials said. The toll, however, could be more than 20, according to non-official sources.

The torrential rains continued to lash most parts of the state for the fourth consecutive day disrupting the public transport system and hitting normal life, forcing thousands of people to stay stranded.

'The death toll due to flash floods has risen to 15' Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Surya Narayan Patro told IANS.

The district of Nayagarh reported the highest number of deaths on Monday evening, where seven people died. Other deaths have also been reported from the districts of Kandhamal, Koraput, Bhadrak and Keonjhar.

Most of the deaths were due to drowning and took place during the past three days, officials said.

The meteorological office has predicted more rains during the next 24 hours and Patro said the government has alerted collectors of all districts to remain alert to meet the challenges.