Rain and thundershowers in several parts of Karnataka claimed seven lives on Monday. While five died of lightning, two were electrocuted after they came in contact with a live wire in Tumkur and Davangere districts.
Lightning struck Jayanna (45) of Rangapura in Sira taluk of Tumkur district while he was offering puja under a neem tree in the village. He died on the spot. Several devotees injured in the incident have been admitted to the government hospital.
Similarly, Veeresh (20) was killed in Hosahalli village while he was performing a ritual. Veeresh hailed from Hiriyur taluk in Chitradurga district. Puttamma (65), a resident of Hulikunte was killed by lightning while she was answering the call of nature.
A woman and her son were electrocuted in Halkurike village of Tiptur taluk. The deceased have been identified as Gangamma (60) and Veerabhadraiah (38).
A banana plant had fallen on an electricity pole due to gusty winds and Veerabhadraiah suffered electric shock when he went to lift the plant. His mother, who went to his rescue was also electrocuted. Gowramma, their neighbour, was injured when she went to the rescue of the two.
A couple had a miraculous escape in Marenadu village of Huliyar after their shanty caught fire due to lightning. However, 10 sheep and household articles were destroyed in the blaze.
In Davangere
Two persons died on the spot when lightning struck them in Harapanahalli taluk of Davangere district on Monday.
The deceased, identified as Shirahatti Ravi (24 ) and his relative Manjunath (14), were working in their farm when the incident occurred. Rains accompanied by strong winds uprooted several trees and electricity poles in parts of the district. The neighbouring Chitradurga district also received rains.
84 mm rain in Somwarpet
Several parts of Mysore region on Monday received widespread pre-monsoon showers.Very heavy rainfall was recorded in Kodagu district, with parts of Somwarpet receiving 84 mm of rainfall since afternoon. Other parts of the district too received rains, with parts of Madikeri and Virajpet, recording 52 mm and 40 mm of rain respectively.
In Hassan, two persons were injured and damage to property was reported following rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rains in Malnad, coastal and South interior Karnataka till the end of this week.