Hubbali, 14 JUNE 

State Labour Minister Santosh Lad on Saturday handed over a compensation amount of Rs 5 lakh to the family of Husensaab Kalas, who tragically drowned in rainwater near Mavanur Road on the outskirts of Hubballi on Wednesday night.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Lad stated that two people have lost their lives in the district in the past 48 hours due to rain-related incidents. “One was a road accident where three individuals attempted to cross a flooded bridge in a tractor despite heavy rains, resulting in one fatality. The second was Kalas, who fell into an open drainage channel concealed by rainwater and drowned,” he said.

He added that CM Siddaramaiah is closely monitoring the situation and the government is assessing crop losses, the report of which will be sent to the Union Government for further assistance.

The local Tehsildar, Kallangouda Patil, confirmed that Fire Services have been conducting a search operation for over 10 hours. Kalas had reportedly left for his farm amidst the downpour; only his slippers have been recovered.

Hubballi received 150 mm of rain overnight, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and the closure of schools. The IMD has issued a red alert for Karnataka with heavy rainfall expected until 17 June.