Heavy rains lashing Andhra Pradesh for the last two days have claimed 15 lives, state Revenue Minister D. Prasada Rao said here on Thursday.
Of the 15 deaths, seven were reported from Mahabubnagar district alone, while eight people died in other districts, Mr. Rao said.
Relief measures have been initiated on war-footing, he said.
Normal life was badly affected as the rain water inundated low-lying areas in residential areas of Mahabubnagar, Kurnool and other districts and set off flash floods in the rivulets.
Relief camps have been set up in Kurnool and Mahabubnagar districts. Financial assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased, Mr. Rao said.
The district Collectors have been put on alert in view of the downpour due to forming of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, he said.
The Met office has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and West Godavari and also a few places in Telangana and Rayalaseema regions in the next 24 hours.
