Rain subsides in K'taka coast, death toll rises to 16

Bangalore, June 1 (UNI) The residents of coastal and Ghat areas of south interior Karnataka got some respite from the torrential rains lashing the areas since Sunday, even as the death toll in rain-related incidents in the State rose to 16.

The bodies of the remaining two fishermen of the total six who were feared drowned were washed ashore -- one last night and another today. The six fishermen, who had met with a watery grave, had set sail in four boats on Sunday from the Malpe fishing harbour near Udupi and the boats had capsized mid-sea due to gusty winds and rough sea.

A youth died instantaneously and three others were injured when a tree, under which they were taking shelter from heavy rain, fell at Khanapur in Belgaum district.

A 60-year-old person, Marati S Venkata of Tannimani village in Kodagu district, was washed away in flash floods in river Kannike at Bhagamandala while crossing a footbridge on his way back home from the market. The body was traced later.

The casualties were reported from Udupi district (seven, including six fishermen), Dakshina Kannada and Dharwad (three each), Belgaum (two) and Kodagu (one).

(Eds: Here, pick up from line one, para one of BG 30 Weather-Karnataka-Toll) UNI TEAM-RS GD SKB2118