Chikkamagaluru: In response to the rising number of accidents and fatalities caused by tourists visiting the waterfalls in the Charmadi Ghats of Mudigere taluk, the Highway Patrol has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of travelers. The police have deployed officers and staff members to deter passengers from visiting these risky locations and taking pictures.
Despite recent heavy showers, which have made the rocks near the waterfalls slippery and hazardous, incidents of deaths and injuries resulting from visitors taking selfies and standing on precarious spots continue to occur. The local police have been facing challenges in dissuading tourists from endangering themselves under the guise of leisure and enjoyment. Moreover, there have been cases of accidents where travelers have been struck by vehicles while dancing on the roads in the district.
In a bid to prevent further disasters involving travelers, the Highway Patrol officers will closely monitor sensitive areas along the Charmadi Ghat in Mudigere taluk throughout the day. By keeping a vigilant eye on these locations, the authorities aim to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of visitors.
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Patna, Apr 10 (PTI): At least 25 people were killed in lightning strikes and hailstorms in several districts of Bihar on Thursday, officials said.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Nalanda reported 18 deaths, followed by two in Siwan, one each in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur and Jehanabad.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, however, claimed in a post on X that over 50 people died on Thursday.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of more than 50 people in various incidents of storm, rain, lightning, tree and wall collapse in Bihar. I express my deepest condolences. May God provide strength to the families affected by the disaster in this hour of grief,” he wrote in Hindi.
He also said that the state government should compensate farmers for their crop loss due to the sudden rain and give them proper compensation.
Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.
On Wednesday, 13 people had died in lightning strikes in four districts of Bihar.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an ‘orange alert’ (be prepared) for a number of districts, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada and Patna.
It has also forecast heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday in these districts.
"Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) likely to occur at few places over Madhubani, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna," the IMD said in a bulletin.
Water-logging was also reported on Thursday from several parts of Patna following heavy rain.
The state capital recorded an average of 42.6 mm rainfall till 5.30 pm.
Officials of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and district administration, however, claimed that rainwater was drained out in the shortest possible time despite the downpour.