Kanpur:
The water level in the Ganga in Kanpur is a mere 46-cm below the danger mark, prompting the district administration to issue a high alert for the villages situated on the banks of the river, officials said.
"The water in the river is currently flowing at 113.54m, above the red mark of 113m, and a few centimetres below the danger mark of 114m," said the nodal officer for relief work and Kanpur ADM (finance), SP Singh.
"We are fearing a flood in the Ganga if it rains any more as the river continues to flow perilously close to the danger mark," Mr Singh said.
"Keeping in view overcast skies and the possibility of rain, the administration has made preparations to evacuate the 20,000 people living in the 30 villages along the river bank in case the worst happens," he said.
Six flood relief camps have been set up to accommodate the evacuees with arrangements in place for food and shelter, Mr Singh said.
"To ferry out people in case of floods, 80 boats have been arranged. Police have also been directed to be ready to deal with any security-related issues," he added.