India, Aug. 29 -- Heavy rains over the past 24 hours have wreaked havoc across large parts of Maharashtra, claiming eight lives and leaving one person missing. The downpour has disrupted normal life in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and other regions, triggering floods, lightning strikes, crop losses and widespread damage.

According to the State Disaster Control Room, lightning strikes accounted for most of the casualties: four people died in Nagpur, one in Yavatmal, one in Nashik, and two in Nanded. In Beed district, two people drowned in floodwaters, while another person is reported missing.

Flooding has hit several villages in Deglur and Kandhar tehsils of Nanded district, forcing the authorities and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) t...