VARANASI, Aug. 31 -- Rising Ganga waters in Varanasi forced 80 people from 17 families to shift to flood relief camps on Monday, while around 70 more people from low-lying areas along the swollen Varuna river were preparing to move to safer locations.

The Ganga touched 70.262 metres, nearing the warning level, with the Central Water Commission (CWC) recording the water level at 70.07 metres and a rise of around 2 cm per hour. The Varuna is also swelling due to reverse flow from the Ganga, according to the officials.

Officials said 61 flood relief camps have been set up, 198 boats arranged and 21 police outposts established. The 80 people shifted so far are staying at relief camps in Salarpur, Saraiya and Badi Bazar.

District magistrate...