The Bulgarian government had declared a state of emergency in some areas alongside the Danube, warning that the river could swell to record levels over the next few days, reported the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency on Thursday.

Twenty-two cities in seven states -- Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse and Silistra -- are on high alert.

The situation in these areas was very serious, and some parts of Vidin had already been submerged by 20 to 80 cm of water, Bulgaria's Maintenance and Research Agency of Danube was quoted as saying.

Local authorities were ready to evacuate people in case of floods, the report added.

Owing to the floods from upriver Hungary and Serbia and Montenegro, a surge is bearing down on the Bulgarian territory.

Source: Xinhua