Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), August 30: The water level of the Ganga in Rishikesh has risen following continuous heavy rainfall in the hilly areas of the Garhwal division, although the river is still flowing below the warning mark, officials said on Sunday.

The Ganga was seen flowing at a strong pace near Triveni Ghat. However, officials of the Central Water Commission in Rishikesh said the river's water level remained within the normal range and below the warning level.

Amid the rising water level, teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Water Police and disaster relief personnel have been deployed at major ghats in Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti and Lakshman Jhula.

Authorities are using loudspeakers to advise devotees, tourists and local residents to exercise caution while bathing near the river.

Water Police Head Constable Harish Singh Gosai said the Ganga was currently flowing below the warning mark but could rise further if rainfall continued in the mountains or if additional water was released from the Tehri or Srinagar dams.

"Currently, the water level of the Ganga is much below the warning level, but if it continues to rain like this in the mountains and water is released from the Tehri Dam or Srinagar, then the water level could increase," Gosai told ANI.

He said security and disaster-response teams were maintaining round-the-clock vigil at the ghats and were prepared to respond to any emergency.

"Our team is present here almost 24 hours a day, and we are ready to deal with any situation at all times," Gosai said.

The authorities are also regularly alerting residents of settlements located close to the river, including Mayakund and Chandrabhaga, through public announcements.

Meanwhile, flood-like conditions have been reported in parts of Satna and Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh following heavy rainfall and a sharp rise in the water level of the Mandakini River.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Chitrakoot and met people affected by the flooding at a shelter operated by the Chitrakoot Development Authority. He assured residents that the government would provide all possible assistance.

"The flood has caused considerable damage. There has been no loss of life. I have met with the flood victims. I have also brought all the administrative officials here. These officials will stay here for 2-3 days and are issuing instructions to manage the challenges following the flood," Yadav said.

Satna Collector Satish Kumar said the district received between 10 and 12 centimetres of rainfall within three to four hours in several areas, causing rivers and streams to swell.

He said the Mandakini River in Chitrakoot rose nearly six metres above the maximum flood level before the situation began to improve.

"Satna district received 10 to 12 centimetres of rainfall within three to four hours across most areas. Consequently, all rivers and streams in the district are in spate," Kumar said.

"Regarding the Mandakini River in Chitrakoot, the water level rose to about six metres above the maximum flood level. While the situation is currently normalising, the high water levels caused damage to some houses and shops in certain areas," he added.

Kumar said no casualties had been reported so far and relief camps had been established for affected families. More than 700 people have been rescued, with SDRF teams deployed in the affected areas.

"Yesterday, due to disrupted access routes, we also secured air support from the Government of India through the State Government," the Collector said.

Meanwhile, Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of recent flash floods, with the death toll rising to 734, according to officials.

India has deployed a forensic team to Nepal to assist with DNA analysis and the identification of mortal remains of victims of the floods.

The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava met the Indian forensic team deployed in the flood-hit country.

Several parts of Assam have also recently witnessed flooding, resulting in extensive damage to residential areas, farmland and livestock.