In Andhra Pradesh, 18 persons died due to heavy rains that have been lashing the state for the past two days following trough in the Bay of Bengal.<br/><br/>Out of them, 7 persons died due to lightening in Karimnagar district while 50 others injured in related incidents. About 15 thousand houses have been damaged in various parts of the state due to heavy rains. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister K Rosaiah held a videoconference with collectors on Thursday evening and took stock of the situation.<br/><br/>He has directed all the collectors in the state to be alert and prevent human loss and outbreak of diseases due to rains. He asked them to take all precautionary measures to evacuate people from low-lying areas.