Karnataka: Lightning Strike Kills 14-Year-Old Boy During Sudden Rains in Koppal

A 14-year-old boy was killed after being struck by lightning during sudden summer rains in Karnataka, highlighting the dangers of thunderstorms even as showers brought relief from the heat across the region.

Bengaluru: The first summer showers have finally arrived in Karnataka, lashing 13 districts across the state. But it was a day of mixed feelings. While the rain brought relief from the heat, a tragic incident occurred in Koppal where a boy was killed by a lightning strike. Many areas also saw hailstorms and strong winds, which brought down tree branches in places like Hassan.

For many, it was the first rain of the year. In Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, and Harihar in Davanagere, people were overjoyed. Residents of Chamarajanagar celebrated as the rain poured for over an hour, breaking the long spell of heat. Gundlupet taluk even saw hailstones along with thunder.

In Mysuru's Bettadapura, there was rain with thunder and lightning. In a dramatic incident in Periyapatna, a coconut tree caught fire after being hit by lightning. Davanagere city witnessed a heavy downpour with hailstones for about half an hour, while Harihar received moderate showers.

Tragedy in Koppal

The victim of the lightning strike in Koppal was identified as 14-year-old Manjunath Mudegowda, a student of Class 8. He was out grazing goats in Yelburga taluk when tragedy struck. The Karatagi area in the same district also experienced a 20-minute hailstorm with intense thunder and lightning.

In Vijayanagara district's Kottur, a brief 10-minute shower was enough to cool down the area. Chikkamagaluru's Mudigere and Balehonnur also received good rainfall.

Hassan and several parts of Alur taluk got heavy rain with hailstones, thunder, and lightning. The downpour, which started around 4 PM, lasted for an hour and caused tree branches to snap in some places.

In Kodagu district, the evening's unseasonal rain was a welcome surprise. Though it caused some traffic jams, people were seen enjoying the cool weather. Areas like Shirangala, Hebbale, and Bettri saw heavy thundershowers, with water even entering some fields. For the local coffee and black pepper farmers, this rain is seen as a blessing.

Down in Dakshina Kannada, places like Mangaluru, Puttur, Bantwal, and Ullal experienced moderate thundershowers at night. In Hunsagi, Yadgir district, some trees caught fire due to lightning strikes.

However, the rain wasn't good news for everyone. In Raichur district, an hour-long hailstorm has left mango growers worried about their crop.

Kalaburagi district's Aland and other areas also received heavy rainfall.