Sudden overnight thundershowers accompanied by fierce winds caused widespread destruction across Karnataka, leaving behind a trail of damage and tragedy—particularly in Koppal district, where two farmers lost their lives after being struck by lightning.
Manjunath Gali (48) and Govindappa Myagalamani (62), residents of Gauriangala, were taking shelter in a makeshift farm hut on the outskirts of the town when lightning struck. Their families discovered their lifeless bodies after searching the fields when the men failed to return home.
In another incident in Neeralagi village near Alwandi, Basappa Morageri, an elderly resident, was seriously injured after a portion of his house wall collapsed due to the rain. He has been admitted to Koppal district hospital.
The agriculture sector took a severe hit, with crops on over 10,600 hectares — including paddy, maize, pearl millet, betel leaves, and banana — flattened or ruined across the taluks of Koppal, Gangavathi, Karatagi, Kanakagiri, and Yelaburga.
The Hubballi-Dharwad region also witnessed evening rains with thunder and lightning, bringing much-needed relief from 37–38°C temperatures. Meanwhile, Kolar and Chikkaballapur faced sharp spells on Thursday and Friday, damaging shops in Dibburu after fallen trees and an electricity pole crushed nearby structures. Fortunately, no casualties were reported there.
In Mangaluru, Friday morning showers flooded Kuntikana Junction, severely impacting commuters. In Dakshina Kannada, rain halted the Babbuswamy Nemotsava ritual at Katpadi Enegudda as waterlogged conditions forced the postponement of the kola ceremony.
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