Torrential rain claims 17 rpt 17 lives in Karnataka

Bangalore, June 23 (UNI) Heavy rains accompanied by winds claimed 17 lives, including that of an infant and three women, in Karnataka today.

Official sources said the North Karnataka region, the most affected accounted for 14 deaths, including seven in Raichur, three in Belgaum and two each in Gulbarga and Bijapur.

In Belgaum, while one person was killed in a house collapse at Nabhapur village another person drowned in a stream at Jugul village .

In Bijapur district, two people were washed away in the Dhoni river, a tributary of Krishna river.

The police said many villages in Basavana Bagewadi taluk were marooned due to inundation and the district administration was making efforts to shift the marooned people to safe places.

In Kodagu district, two persons, including a woman, were killed in two separate incidents.

Police said both Pani Eravva (52) and driver M Mani were killed when a tree fell on them.

In Bangalore city, one person was killed on the spot when a tree fell on the autorickshaw in which he was travelling.

Sources said the district administration was making efforts to shift the people of entire Maski village, which was partially submerged, to safe places.

The Karnataka Chief Minister had ordered the district administration to remain high alert and instructed them to take immediate relief measures in the worst-affected areas.

UNI