The death toll in Romania's floods has risen to 19 over the past six days, the interior ministry said, although water levels were beginning to fall.

The previous toll was 17 dead and one missing.

Of the 19 dead, 12 came from the Vrancea region in the east of the country, one of the worst affected regions, Secretary of State for the Interior Victor Dobre said.

Earlier Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu said the death toll could rise as more bodies might be found when the waters receded.

Weather conditions improved in the east Saturday with sunshine after days of torrential rain.

In the four worst-hit regions -- Bacau, Braila, Galati and Vrancea-- 13,000 people were evacuated, 500 houses completely destroyed and 10,000 damaged.

About 100 bridges and dozens of kilometres (miles) of roads and railways were damaged.

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