Heavy rains claim six lives in Karnataka

Heavy rains and thunderstorms triggered by cyclone Laila claimed six lives in parts of Karnataka, where a high alert has been sounded.

Three persons died when lightning struck them while one died after a coconut tree fell on him in Chitradurga district. Another person was struck by lightning in Kundapur in Udupi district. The sixth casualty took place in a wall collapse in Bellary district, official sources said.

A high alert has been sounded throughout coastal Karnataka, the sources told PTI.

Though the cyclonic effect is being felt since yesterday, Laila is expected to enter Karnataka by tomorrow evening and will be accompanied by heavy rains and thundershowers, B Puttanna, Director Meteorological Department said.

A Mangalore report said heavy rains triggered a landslide at Deralakatte, about 13 km from the city, but no casualties were reported.