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Heavy rain claims 19 lives in southern India
HYDERABAD, India (AFP) Oct 15, 2005
Heavy rains in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh have resulted in the deaths of 19 people in the past three days, state officials said Saturday.

Six of the people who died were killed by lightning.

State officials said 8,681 families were moved to safer places following the heavy rains over the state's southern coastal area and the Telangana region.

The meteorological department has predicted more rains over the next 24 hours and warned people not to venture near rivers.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Rajasekhar Reddy examined the relief work Saturday and ordered supplies of food, drinking water and medical equipment for the affected areas.

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