Mangaluru heavy rain: Cyclone Mekunu hits coastal Karnataka; several areas flooded, NDRF on alert

As heavy rain pounded the twin coastal districts, water entered factories and buildings, caused street clogging and blocked the vehicular traffic. Strong winds also uprooted trees and electrical poles. About 130 buildings, including houses, were partially or fully damaged in the rains in the last two days in Udupi district, district administration sources said. The total loss was estimated at Rs 51.37 lakh.

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Mangaluru floods: Rescuers at work in a flooded locality after a thunderstorm, in Mangaluru on Tuesday. (PTI)

Rainwater also flooded the Padil underbridge, where many vehicles are still stuck. A house under construction collapsed at Pumpwell and Kuthar junction was surrounded by water. Mangaluru and Bantwal taluks were the most affected, while rainfall was scarce in Puttur, Sullia, and Belthangady taluks in the district, the sources said.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy took stock of the situation on Tuesday and directed the Deputy Commissioner to take assistance from the Coast Guard to rescue people if such situation arises. The Chief Minister also instructed him to take necessary precautionary steps to mitigate severe damages and prevent loss of lives, said a press release from CMO.

Read | In Pics: Heavy rain inundates Mangaluru, schools remain closed today

Mangaluru floods: A flooded bus stop after heavy downpour in Mangaluru. (PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also ensured assistance to people in Karnataka. “I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka. Have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible assistance in the affected areas,” he wrote on Twitter.

I pray for the safety and wellbeing of all those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka. Have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible assistance in the affected areas.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 29, 2018

Former chief minister and BJP leader Yeddyurappa also asked people to stay indoors. “My thoughts are with all those affected by the incessant rain in #Mangaluru region. I pray for your safety and well being. Centre has assured all possible support in mitigating the situation due to heavy rains. I request the fishermen to not venture out in the sea,” he wrote on Twitter.

(With inputs from PTI)