Bantwal: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and intense lightning activity caused significant damage across parts of Bantwal taluk on Saturday evening, affecting two temples and two residential houses while also causing damage to property in several villages. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in any of the incidents despite the severe weather conditions that swept through the region.

The sudden spell of severe weather hit the taluk on Saturday afternoon and continued into the evening, bringing torrential rain, strong gusty winds and repeated lightning strikes. The weather conditions created panic among residents as thunderstorm activity intensified across several areas.

The worst-hit locations included two well-known temples in the region, where lightning caused extensive structural damage. Residential houses in different villages also suffered partial damage, while uprooted trees added to the destruction in some places.

Lightning damages Sri Mahavishnu Temple

One of the major incidents was reported from Illiyuru in Mani Nalkur village, where lightning struck Sri Mahavishnu Temple during severe thunderstorm activity on Saturday evening.

According to available information, the region experienced heavy rainfall and repeated lightning strikes around 4.30 pm. The impact of the lightning strike caused substantial structural damage to parts of the temple premises.

The stone slabs situated above the sanctum sanctorum precincts reportedly shattered due to the force of the strike and crashed to the ground. The impact created considerable concern among devotees and residents in the area.

Initial estimates suggest that the damage caused to the temple could amount to nearly ₹1 crore. The incident is considered significant because the temple had undergone renovation work only a few years ago.

Fortunately, the temple priest was outside the premises when the incident took place. As a result, no injuries or casualties were reported.

Newly renovated structure sustains major damage

Local residents stated that the Sri Mahavishnu Temple had been renovated around four years ago. The temple had also recently conducted Brahmakalashotsava ceremonies, making the incident particularly distressing for devotees and the temple management.

The lightning strike reportedly caused severe damage to portions surrounding the sanctum sanctorum. Due to the extent of the destruction, major restoration and repair work is expected to be required.

Following the incident, temple trustees and local residents gathered at the temple premises to assess the extent of the damage. The matter has also been brought to the notice of the local revenue department for further assessment and documentation.

Officials are expected to conduct detailed inspections to determine the exact structural losses and estimate the costs associated with restoration activities.

Karinja temple also hit by lightning

Another incident involving lightning damage was reported at the Sri Karingeshwara Temple in Karinja, located in Kavalamoodur village.

The temple, situated atop a large rock formation and considered a significant place of worship in the area, is believed to have been struck by lightning around 5 pm on Saturday.

Reports indicate that the lightning may have hit the gopuram located above the sanctum sanctorum. However, the complete extent of the damage had not been fully assessed at the time of reporting.

Fortunately, no devotees or temple staff members were present at the site when the incident occurred, preventing injuries.

Temple management committee president Veerendra B Amin stated that the matter has been informed to the revenue authorities and a detailed assessment will be carried out.

Houses and properties sustain damage

Apart from the temple incidents, several residential properties also suffered damage due to the lightning activity and adverse weather conditions.

In Madhwa Barkatte of Kavalapaduru village, lightning struck the residence of Kavitha Sesappa Poojary, resulting in partial damage to the structure. No injuries were reported from the incident.

Similarly, another house belonging to Annu Poojary in Kadeshivalaya village also sustained damage due to a lightning strike.

Meanwhile, in Peraje village, strong winds caused a large jackfruit tree to collapse onto a tiled house belonging to a resident identified as Lalitha at Konkanapadavu. The impact resulted in partial damage to the residence.

Residents said the taluk had been experiencing intermittent rainfall over the last two days. Cloudy weather conditions persisted throughout Saturday before the weather worsened later in the afternoon.

Officials begin damage assessment

Revenue department officials have confirmed the incidents and stated that assessment work is currently underway across affected villages to determine the overall losses.

Authorities are expected to document structural damage and prepare reports for further action and relief procedures where applicable.

The series of incidents has once again highlighted the risks associated with severe weather events and lightning activity during the monsoon period. While extensive property damage has been reported, the absence of casualties has come as a major relief for local residents and authorities.