Lightning In India's Southern State Of Andhra Pradesh Kills 21

Twenty-one people were killed Sunday after lightning struck parts of India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh. N. Chandrababu Naidu, the state's chief minister, has announced compensation of 400,000 rupees (about $6,000) to the families of the deceased, according to local reports.

Twelve people died in the eastern districts of Prakasam, Nellore and Srikakulam, eight in northeastern Krishna, Guntur and East Godavari districts, and one in western Anantpur district, Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) reported. Precautionary measures were reportedly implemented in the state following heavy rain forecast in the next 24 hours.

Rahul Gandhi, the vice-president of the Indian National Congress party, offered condolences Monday to the victims' families.

Meanwhile, six people stuck in a car in Hyderabad, the joint capital of the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, were reportedly rescued by local residents who used a tractor to stop the vehicle from being washed away.

The women cricket teams of Andhra Pradesh and the northeastern state of Tripura escaped unhurt after lightning struck during a match in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. A tree outside the Andhra Cricket Association cricket ground was engulfed in fire due to the lightning, Press Trust of India reported.

Incessant rains were reported in parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Telangana triggering floods that affected road traffic on Sunday, according to IANS. The state meteorological department has predicted more rains in the two southern states for the next two to three days.