Rain, lightning claim 8 lives across Karnataka

Heavy rain accompanied by lightning claimed eight lives across the State on Monday. Four persons died on the spot after the wall of an under construction godown collapsed following incessant rains in Kaginelli village of Shikaripur taluk in Shimoga district.  The deceased have been identified as Surendrappa (61), a retired teacher and owner of the godown; his son Anjaneya (26); Shekharappa (59) and Manjappa (55), both construction workers. Five workers sustained injuries in the incident. Police said that the godown was being constructed close to a farmland. A 58-year-old man was struck dead by lightning and two others sustained injuries near Hunchadakatte of Tirthalli taluk. The incident occurred when Shanmugam (58), a resident of Ayanur was loading wooden logs onto a truck. Rains resumed across Shimoga district after a lull. Shikaripur, Shiralakoppa, Sorab, Bhadravathi, Tirthahalli and Sagar received a good spell of rains. Normal life was affected as rainwater gushed into the low-lying areas. A blanket of thick cloud engulfed the skies of Malnad region compelling motorists to use headlights in the noon. However, there was no rain Shimoga. Hubli-Dharwad Several districts in North Karnataka received widespread rains on Monday. Chandrakala Puttappa Hullatti (24) was killed due to lightning in Ranebennur of Haveri district. Dharwad received thundershowers in the evening and there were reports of downpour in Hubli also. Gadag, Lakshmeshwar, Mulgund and Ganjendragad received moderate rains. A 25-year-old youth was struck dead by lightning in Hesaruru village of Kushtagi taluk of Koppal district. Sharanappa Mallappa Kambara was grazing cattle when the incident occurred. Power supply was affected in various parts of the taluk. Chitradurga Rains lashed Chitradurga on Monday evening bringing respite from sweltering heat for the residents. The showers, accompanied by lightning and thunder pounded the town for about 40 minutes in the evening. Movement of vehicles was affected as rain water accumulated on roads due to clogged stormwater drains. Neelappa (48), a resident of Channagiri in Davangere district, was killed by lightning at Hiriyur. Kodagu Thundershowers lashed Madikeri, Napoklu and other areas received rains for around 30 minutes in the evening. It rained for around 15 minutes in Chamarajanagar. Hassan Power supply went haywire after thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds pounded Halebid. Saplings in five nurseries were destroyed while banana plantations were ravaged due to the rain. Strong winds blew away roof-tiles of at least 30 houses in the town.   Source: Deccan Herald