Two people died of suspected cardiac arrest triggered by lightning in Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu district on 13 September 2026, as heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms lashed parts of the state since Saturday night under the influence of a low-pressure area, officials said. The deaths occurred in the Narasaraopet area of Palnadu, as the weather system brought widespread rainfall across multiple districts.

What Happened on the Ground

The two deceased were identified as Nagamma (63) of Petlurivaripalem village and Mekala Venkayamma (60) of Lakshmipuram village. Both are suspected to have died of cardiac arrest after being startled by the intense noise of the thunderstorm, according to officials. Heavy rains were simultaneously lashing Visakhapatnam, Gajuwaka, and parts of East Godavari district. The bus stand at Nidadavole was inundated, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.

Weather System and Forecast

According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the low-pressure area is currently centred over the Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh regions. The authority stated in a bulletin issued on Sunday morning that the system is likely to move in a west-northwest direction over the next 24 hours, bringing moderate to heavy rains to isolated parts of Andhra Pradesh. Gusty winds of 40–60 kmph are likely along the North Andhra coast, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Rainfall accompanied by lightning is expected in parts of Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Nandyal, and Kurnool districts.

What Authorities Are Saying

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain urged residents not to stand under trees or hoardings during lightning and gusty winds, and cautioned against attempting to cross overflowing streams or canals. State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha also issued an alert, advising both citizens and officials to remain on high alert in view of the rain forecast. She directed police and revenue department officials to stay accessible in affected areas and asked authorities to prohibit vehicle movement in vulnerable zones.

Context: A State Battling Severe Rainfall Deficit

The rains, while bringing relief from intense heat, arrive against a backdrop of a significant rainfall shortfall. According to the Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information and Management System (APWRIMS), from 1 January to 9 September, the state received only 236.51 mm of rain against a normal of 578.58 mm — a deficit of 59.12 per cent. Day temperatures had crossed 40 degrees Celsius at many locations, making this week's rains a double-edged development: relief from heat, but with a severe storm risk attached. Notably, this is part of a broader pattern of erratic monsoon behaviour that has challenged the state's agricultural and water planning.

With the low-pressure system expected to persist over the next 24 hours, authorities are urging continued vigilance across coastal and inland districts.