Rains ease India's month-long heatwave

Rains have eased a severe heat wave across India that has claimed more than 1,500 lives over the past four weeks, a relief official said today.

The five worst-hit districts of southern Andhra Pradesh state experienced pre-monsoon showers overnight, bringing relief to villagers suffering from dehydration and sunstroke, said C.V.V. Bhadram, director of the state’s meteorology department. No deaths were reported today.