Gusty winds, lightning in Udupi claim 2 lives

Udupi, Karnataka, Apr 15 (UNI) Gusty winds and lightning in the district yesterday had claimed two lives and the total loss was estimated at about Rs ten lakh.

According to revenue officials here, a person was killed on the spot when the roof of a house collapsed at Pernankila in Udupi taluk and a woman (38) met with her end when a tree branch fell on her at Melgangolli in Kundapura taluk in the district.

The officials said about 30 houses have been partially damaged in the district and the 'Garudagambha', the tall wooden, copper plated pillar, in front of Sri Vishnumurthy temple at Kemthur on the outskirts of Udupi was uprooted. Several trees were also uprooted in the heavy winds.

Meanwhile, according to a report from Dakshina Kannada district, a person was killed at Padnur in Puttur taluk when lightning struck him, last night. Heavy rains, coupled with wind and lightning, had lashed the district, uprooted several trees and caused partial damage to several houses. The loss was yet to be estimated.

UNI