Lightning strikes in Raichur and Dharwad claim two lives while strong winds uproot trees and flood roads across Karnataka
Bengaluru: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning lashed several parts of Karnataka on Sunday, causing widespread disruption, flooding roads, uprooting trees and claiming at least two lives in separate lightning strike incidents reported from Raichur and Dharwad districts.
Authorities also confirmed the death of three cows due to lightning in the Uttara Kannada district as severe weather conditions affected multiple regions across the state.
The sudden spell of rain and thunderstorms disrupted traffic movement and damaged public infrastructure in several towns and villages.
Lightning Strike Kills Farmer in Raichur District
A tragic incident was reported from Komalapura village in Lingasugur taluk of Raichur district, where a 45-year-old man identified as Kariyappa Gennakihal reportedly died after being struck by lightning.
According to police, Kariyappa and another man identified as Basavaraj were allegedly loading fertiliser into a tractor when the lightning strike occurred.
Officials stated that Kariyappa died on the spot due to the impact of the lightning, while Basavaraj sustained serious injuries and was admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Mudugal Police Station, and police officials visited the location for investigation.
Woman Dies in Dharwad Lightning Incident
In another fatal incident, a 36-year-old woman identified as Jayashree Shirasangi reportedly died after being struck by lightning while working in an agricultural field near Kavalageri village in Dharwad taluk.
Police said Jayashree was working alongside her husband, Hanumanthappa Shirasangi, when the lightning struck the area during heavy rainfall.
She reportedly died on the spot, while her husband sustained injuries and was shifted to Dharwad District Hospital for medical treatment.
A case has been registered at Dharwad Rural Police Station.
“Heavy rain and lightning incidents caused casualties and damage in multiple districts,” officials stated.
Three Cows Die After Lightning Strike in Uttara Kannada
In Haliyal taluk of Uttara Kannada district, three cows reportedly died after being struck by lightning in Mangalvada village.
Officials stated that the animals belonged to a local resident identified as Roman Bavatis Dalmat.
The intense lightning strike also reportedly damaged the roof of a government high school building in the village.
Heavy Rain Floods Roads and Uproots Trees Across Karnataka
Several districts reported waterlogging, fallen trees and traffic disruption following intense rainfall and strong winds.
In Hubballi, large trees reportedly collapsed on roads in Manjunatha Nagar and Ananda Nagar areas, briefly affecting vehicle movement before municipal workers cleared the debris.
Meanwhile, in Gadag district, roads in Lakshmeshwar town were submerged after continuous rainfall. Areas including Kenchalapura Oni and roads near Banashankari Temple reportedly witnessed severe flooding.
Residents expressed frustration over alleged civic negligence and poor drainage infrastructure despite repeated complaints to local authorities.
Strong winds also reportedly uprooted huge trees and electric poles near the K.H. Patil District Stadium in Makanagalli area, though officials said a major tragedy was avoided as the weekly market remained closed due to Sunday.
Weather officials have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as rainfall activity is expected to continue in parts of the state.
