MUMBAI: The repeating monsoon has claimed nine lives in Marathwada BSE 4.99 % locale of Maharashtra with five killed in floods, authorities said today.

While four people from Jalna and Nanded regions of the area died after they were struck by lightning, the other five from Beed and Latur areas suffocated in floods yesterday taking after heavy rainfall, authorities from Marathwada Divisional Commissionerate said.

The victims are yet to be identified.

The monsoon withdrawl, which is otherwise said to be beneficial for pulses production, brought some heavy spells to Marathwada this time, causing flash floods in arid areas.

Some areas in Beed district recorded more than 100 mm rainfall on Sunday in less than 12 hours disrupting normal life.