Lightning claims three lives in State

 Heavy rain coupled with lightning in parts of the State claimed three lives and caused extensive damage to standing crops on Tuesday.

Two workers were killed and three sustained injuries when lightning struck them at Kellaputhige village near Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district. The deceased have been identified as Dinesh Bhandary (30) and Gangadhar (35). Heavy rain lashed Vittal in the evening.

Fourteen-year-old Krishnamurthy was struck dead by lightning in Thimmalapura forest area of Bellary district. As many as 89 goats and other livestock were killed as rain accompanied by thunder and lightning pounded the district.

Mundgod, Yellapur, Dandeli, Bhatkal and Haliyal in Uttara Kannada district received heavy rains. Gusty winds blew off roofs of a few houses in Mundgod.

 Trees and electricity poles were uprooted in Dandeli and Bhatkal. Mango groves suffered extensive damage in the district. Haveri, Hubli and Belgaum also received rain during the day.

Moderate-to-heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds lashed various parts of Shimoga district on Tuesday evening.