8 killed as heavy rains lash central India

At least eight people have been killed in flash floods triggered by heavy rains in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in the past couple of days.

"Eight people have died due to flood and excessive rainfall in the last three to four days in the state," Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told the media Saturday.

Local TV channels reported that heavy rains have been lashing several parts of the state for the last three days and the Indian Army has been pressed into rescue and relief operations.

"Very heavy rains are likely in Satna, Hoshangabad, Jabalpur, Raisen, Sagar and Damoh districts in the next 24 hours," Anupam Kashyapi, a top weather official, said.

He added: "The districts of Bhopal, the state capital, and Narsinghpur, Vidisha and Betul too are expected to receive heavy rain." Endit