Torrential rains have killed 21 people and rendered thousands homeless in Andhra Pradesh, officials said yesterday. The heavy rains, which began on Saturday, were caused by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. Cyclonic rains have killed over 150 people in Andhra Pradesh since July.

Senior government official DC. Rosaiah said 15 people died in Nellore district and six in Chittoor due to drowning, electrocution and house collapses. “We have pressed navy boats and army personnel to attend to relief work now that the rains have stopped,” he said. Officials said nearly 30,000 people living in low-lying areas had been shifted to relief camps following the rains, which also caused breaches in minor irrigation tanks. Rail and road traffic was also affected.