Downpour over the last two days in various districts of north Karnataka has led to inundation in a few villages and spate in some streams, throwing life out of gear. Lightning and rain-related mishaps have claimed five lives and left several injured.
A boy was killed and three others were injured after a boulder crushed a hut in Nagalacheruvu slum on the foothills of the Ballari Fort late on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Shivaraj, 10.
Caught in a stream
The boulder is suspected to have slid down the rocky hills following a downpour or after being struck by lightning.
Since the last few days, Ballari city has experienced intermittent rain accompanied by gusty winds, thunder, and lightning.
In Gadag district, five passengers, including the driver of a State transport bus, had a miraculous escape after their bus was caught in the strong current of an overflowing Doddur Halla (stream) in Shirahatti taluk on Monday. Downpour since Sunday night has caused a spate in several streams in the district.
The bus was proceeding to Yellapur from Laxmeshwar. The incident occurred when the driver tried to cross the inundated road adjacent to the stream. On hearing the cries for help from passengers, the residents of Doddur rushed to the spot and rescued them by using a rope.
Two persons were killed after being struck by lightning on Sunday in Gadag and Haveri districts.
Rains and strong winds continued to lash Hubballi-Dharwad since Sunday causing damage to properties and disrupting power supply in several areas. Many trees have uprooted, but fortunately no casualties were reported.
Girl killed
At Kiresur village in Bagalkot district, Deepa Kademani, 9, was killed after stones kept on a tin sheet roof to prevent it from flying fell on her. The incident occurred early on Monday and the minor died on the spot.
Properties were damaged in all six taluks of Chitradurga district. Water entered several low-lying areas in Chitradurga and Hosadurga taluks. Two houses near the government hospital in Hosadurga taluk were damaged when a tree uprooted and more than five electric poles were also damaged.
