India, Sept. 27 -- Heavy downpours across eastern and central India in the last 48 hours claimed at least 18 lives and damaged crops and property, and triggered widespread floods, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people.

At least 17 people were killed, and five others were injured as extremely heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Uttar Pradesh in the last 48 hours as monsoon activity intensified across the state on its retreat. Sixty-three of the state's 75 districts recorded above-normal rainfall, with the state receiving 19 times the normal showers in the past 24 hours, according to relief commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod. The downpour and strong winds damaged standing crops in rural areas.

A press statement from the rel...