Heavy rains rattle Mangalore as Cyclone Mekunu hits coastal Karnataka

Several houses were damaged and at least 12 people were injured as Cyclone Mekunu, which had wreaked havoc in Oman in Yemen over the weekend, hit the coastal Karnataka region on Tuesday, resulting in heavy rainfall.

Mangaluru and Udupi were the worst affected, with reports of property loss and waterlogging coming from several areas.

Here are the top updates on rains in coastal Karnataka:

1. Heavy rains are expected in Kerala and the coastal Karnataka region from May 29 to June 2, according to the National Weather Forecasting Centre predictions.

2. Schools in Karnataka will remain closed for the next two days in view of the rain forecast.

3. As many as 12 people have been injured, according to Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Saisikanth Senthil. Mangaluru was one of the most affected with at least 52 houses there being damaged in the rains, according to media reports. Five rehabilitation centres have been opened and compensation for the injured will be announced on Wednesday, ANI reported.

4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took cognizance of the matter and said that all assistance would be provided for those affected in the rains. "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 tweeted.