2 Dead as Rain Continues to Wreak Havoc in K'taka

Two people, including a two-year-old child, died in separate rain-related incidents; several landslides were reported in Uttara Kannada district while a temporary bridge collapsed in Belagavi district on Sunday as heavy rainfall continued for the fourth consecutive day, wreaking havoc across Karnataka.

- Hirekop Rajan Samuel

BELAGAVI:

The 50-meter-long temporary bridge built across the Malaprabha river near Kusamalli village in Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district was swept away due to relentless inflow from upstream catchment areas. The bridge was a vital connector between Belagavi and Goa. With its collapse, road traffic along the route has come to a complete halt.

Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled said, "As the entire bridge got swept away, there was no chance to cross the road. Police personnel have been deployed on both sides of the road to instruct the public."

Malaprabha river, which originates in the dense forests of Khanapur taluk, has been receiving significant rainfall—second only to Agumbe—fueling its rise.