Bhatkal: Tree falls on NH 66; electricity and telephone lines uprooted

Bhatkal 28 June 2018: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) A huge tree fell off the ground on Thursday morning at NH 66 of Bhatkal near Shifa cross damaging electric polls and underground telephone lines while also resulting in minor damages to a house located behind the tree. The incident occurred as a result of heavy rains and winds that has griped the coastal Karnataka for over a week now. Three electric polls have been damaged and has resulted in power cut in the locality since morning while underground telephone lines have also been uprooted as a result of the incident. Karnataka Electricity Board (KEB) and Forest department officials visited and inspected the spot. Re-installation of electric polls and service has been initiated by the KEB while Forest department will dislodge the tree completely and move it. Speaking to Bhatkallys.com KEB officials assured that the electricity in the locality will be re-instated by afternoon 1.pm. Locals however blamed the underground telephone lines for the incident. One of the local auto-driver added "Around two months several underground cables were installed near the tree and the roots of the tree were chopped off which made the tree weak and vulnerable, which was otherwise healthy and strong". CLICK HERE for photos (Bhatkallys News Bureau/Ismail Zaorez)