One person was killed and several were injured and properties were damaged across the district in the incessant downpour that continued the whole of Monday night.
A large number of trees and electricity poles were uprooted, blocking traffic on roads in the city. Many roads were flooded and rainwater entered houses in low-lying areas.
A shepherd, Veerappa Ramannavar (40), who was taking shelter under a shed, died after being struck by lightning in Hangaraki village near here. Three others — Nagappa Iti, Shankrappa Badavannavar and Mallikarjun Kadannavar — who were struck by lightning sustained injuries. They have been admitted to the district civil hospital here. Loss of cattle too has been reported from different parts of the district.
Many power supply facilities of the Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) were damaged in the heavy rain.
The power transmission feeder supplying power to the Karnatak University campus and Sadhanakeri was damaged. Power supply was rerouted through an alternative feeder. One transformer in the State Bank of India (SBI) Colony and Sadhankeri were damaged owing to lightning.
Heavy damage to properties was reported from Salakinakoppa and Yadawad villages. A poultry farm belonging to Rajesab Naikar was destroyed. As many as six electricity poles had fallen down on Dharwad–Yadwad Road. Another 20 poles are bent. The Hescom staff was busy the whole night, trying to restore the power supply. Officials said that total losses were yet to be estimated.
Meanwhile, residents of Keshavnagar in Dharwad staged a protest on Tuesday evening demanding the restoration of power supply.
They blocked the road, preventing movement of traffic for over an hour.
