Six killed, one injured in lightning strikes

Lightning strikes in North and Central Karnataka on Monday left six dead, one injured, besides injuring two cattle.

Victims in all six incidents that occurred in four districts were either working in fields or were returning home.

Shantamma (50), a resident of Gaudikatte village, Jagalur taluk, Davanagere district, was killed on the spot in the lightening strike. She was working in the field.

Nagaraj Sannabharamannavar (21), a resident of Kunimehalli, Savanur taluk, Haveri district and Kumarappa Shivabasappa Kothin (50), a resident of Naregal, Hanagal taluk, Haveri district were struck dead by the lightning in separate incidents. They were returning homes when the incident occurred.

Jaffarsab Daddusab Masuti (14) from Kurubagonda village, Hanagal taluk, suffered burns. He is being treated at the government hospital.

Two cattle that belonged to Veeranna were killed at Sooranahalli village, Challakere taluk, Chitradurga district. They were tied to a tree when the incident occurred. Veeranna is said have incurred losses upto Rs 80,000.

The lightning strike killed Nagappa Nayak (40) at at Byagwat village, Manvi taluk, Raichur district. He was taking shelter from rains while returning from his farm when the incident occurred.

A mother and her daughter-- Kavithabai (29) and Pallavi (11) were returning home from a field after it started raining at Channalli tanda, Harapanahalli taluk, Davanagere district, when the lightning strike killed them.

Rains in 5 districts

Bringing relief from sweltering heat, there was heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorm in Raichur, Haveri, Chitradurga, Shivamogga and Davanagere districts towards Monday evening.

Chitradurga and Hosadurga towns and surrounding areas received heavy rains for over one hour. Annehal village alone received 70 mm rainfall. It also rained heavily in many parts of the district. Several areas of the district received mild rains during early morning.

Though there was no indication of any rains till late afternoon, Byadagi town and neighbouring areas received heavy rains in the evening. Average rainfall of Byadagi and neighbouring areas in October is 108 mm. The region has so far received 25.3 mm rainfall.

In Shivamogga district, Shikaripur and surrounding areas received heavy rains.