Heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 16 people in India

More than 24,000 villagers have been evacuated to higher ground, officials said.

At least 16 people have been killed this week in heavy monsoon rains that have lashed western India, including the desert state of Rajasthan, with more than 24,000 villagers evacuated to higher ground, officials said.

Hundreds of rescuers using motor boats saved 789 people, including some pregnant women, from being swept away by the swirling floodwater in six districts in Gujarat state, said Ranvijay Singh, a government official.