Heavy rains continue in Karnataka, four dead

Mandya (IANS) | Heavy rains, lightning and thunderstorm claimed four lives in Karnataka during the last 24 hours. Two people were killed by lightning, while two others died after a tree fell on an autorickshaw.

A case of death of two people, including a woman, has come to light in Maddur taluk of Mandya district on Friday due to lightning.

The deceased have been identified as 34-year-old Madhu, a resident of Vaidyanathpura village, and 60-year-old Gauramma, a resident of Shivpura village.

According to officials, Madhu was standing under a tree to take shelter from heavy rain late on Thursday night when lightning struck. He was returning home after dropping his wife at her parents’ house.

In another incident, Gouramma collapsed at her house when lightning struck very close to her house. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but the doctors declared him brought dead.

Pushpa Kulal (45), a resident of Paduru Kuralu, and Krishna (48), a resident of Kalaturu, died on the spot after a huge tree fell on the auto on Thursday night. Driver Sharif narrowly escaped in the incident. The vehicle that came under the tree was completely damaged.

Officials have attributed the incessant heavy rains as the reason for the tree falling. Heavy rains have thrown life out of gear across the state.

–IANS