Intense Heat Wave and Lightning Claims Two Lives in Karnataka

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on May 31, 2015 at 7:55 AM

The intense heat wave prevailing in Karnataka has claimed one more life, while another person was fatally struck by lightning in Kalaburgi district. Three others were hospitalized after they were also hit by the lightning on Friday. The Meteorology department forecast rain for the entire state of Karnataka on Saturday.

On Friday, heavy rain lashed Bengaluru after a hot and humid day. It disrupted normal life and the evening rush hour traffic was thrown out of gear due to water-logging on several roads across the city and flooding low-lying areas. Ten Karnataka districts received rainfall. An official reported, "Many trees and electricity poles were uprooted and strong surface winds reported from many localities. Bengaluru city received 18 mm rainfall on Friday. HAL airport and Kempegowda International Airport also recorded a rainfall of 13.2 mm and 3.8 mm respectively."

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness and occurs when the body gets too hot. Heat exhaustion occurs due to dehydration and loss of electrolytes through the skin.

Vivek Bansal, Deputy Commissioner, Kalaburgi, said, "A mason constructing a house died due to the heat wave on Thursday whereas one person was struck by lightning on Friday. The lightning also led to hospitalization of three more people. The cause of the death of mason Lakappa, 60, was confirmed on Friday. The lightening victim was identified as Ningappa, 50."

Mula Anuradha, Director, Family Health and Welfare, Karnataka, said, "No more deaths have been reported except these two. We have issued guidelines and dos and don'ts to all the districts."

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The weatherman forecast a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rainfall and thundershowers for Bengaluru on Saturday. Maximum temperature was likely to be around 32 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature was expected to be around 22 degrees Celsius. Officials said, "Maximum temperature on Friday in Bengaluru was 32.4 degrees Celsius, one notch below the season's average, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 22.3 degrees Celsius, one notch above the season's average." On Friday, Kalaburgi district was scorching at 44.1 degrees Celsius while Bijapur and Raichur recorded 41 and 43 degrees Celsius respectively.

Source: Medindia

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