Six killed in lightning, rain in Karnataka

Bengaluru, May 15 (IANS) Six persons, including two women and two children, died in lightning strikes during thunderstorm and heavy rain at five places across Karnataka, said an official on Monday.

"Deaths due to lightning occurred at Bagalkot, Ballari, Bhatkal, Gadag and Vijayapura in the state's northern and coastal areas since Sunday night," Karnataka State Disaster Management Centre officer Somasekhar told reporters here.

The victims of lightning were identified as Bibi Sufia, 22, from Bhatkal, Fakeeravva, 50, from Gadag and Basappa Nayakodi, 45, from Vijayapura.

"Two children -- Shiva, 12, and Deepa Kadimani, 8 -- died when boulders fell on their houses in Ballari and Bagalkot districts, respectively, after heavy rains," said Somasekhar. Another victim could not be identified.

Gusty winds and heavy rains damaged several houses in Bagalkot, Ballari, Gadag, Koppal and Vijayapura districts in the state's northern region.

Five passengers escaped unhurt when a state-run bus in which they were travelling through Gadag district was submerged in an overflowing brook.

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