Heavy rains for the past four days have hit normal life in the two coastal districts of Dakshina Kanada and Udupi in Karnataka.

Low-lying areas and roads in many areas have been flooded thus disrupting commutation and transportation.

As a precautionary move, district administrations have ordered all educational institutions to remain shut for two days.

In Mangaluru, boats had to be used to ferry stranded people, including school children in Kudroli area in the city, which was almost submerged, officials said.

The city received 37.5 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours.

Commutation and transportation in many parts were hit due to flooding of roads. (Photo: PTI)

Students of Alake Gujarati School were stranded in the school building due to water logging. They were later rescued with the help from personnel of fire and rescue services and the general public.

Meanwhile, water also entered several factories in Baikampady industrial area, resulting in heavy losses. Factory owners said they have not witnessed a similar downpour in the past few decades.

An under-construction house collapsed at Pumpwell and Kuthar junction was surrounded by water.

Water also entered several factories in Baikampady industrial area, resulting in heavy losses. (Photo: PTI)

Rainwater also flooded the Padil under bridge, where many vehicles are still stuck. Similar scenes were witnessed in Hampankatta and Bejai areas of the city.

Mangaluru and Bantwal taluks are the most affected, while rainfall was scarce in Puttur, Sullia, and Belthangady taluks in the district, officials said.

In Udupi, a huge banyan tree was uprooted and fell on the road at Udyavar, blocking vehicular traffic. Many electric poles and hoardings also fell on the ground.

About 130 buildings, including houses, were partially or fully damaged in the rains in the past two days in Udupi district, officials in the district administration said.

The total loss is estimated to be Rs 51.37 lakh.

The total loss is estimated to be Rs 51.37 lakh. (Photo: PTI)

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy o Tuesday took stock of the situation in Dakshina Kannada. He has directed that if required, the district administration should take assistance from the Coast Guard to rescue people.

The Meteorological department said the rains were caused due to pre-monsoon showers. Monsoon arrived in Kerala on Tuesday but it will take some time to reach Karnataka, the department said.

Mangaluru and Bantwal taluks are the most affected, while rainfall was scarce in Puttur, Sullia, and Belthangady taluks in the district. (Photo: PTI)

Met officials said the exact date when monsoon will reach Karnataka will be announced after observing its patter for some days.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to officials and directed them to ensure all possible assistance in the affected areas.

In a tweet, the PM said: "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."

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

The Union Home Ministry said it has reviewed the situation in Managalore and is rushing additional teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist the local administration in handling rescue and relief operations.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said such rains are usual in Karnataka during this season.

"The government is working. The chief minister and deputy chief minister are giving instructions to the officials on ground. They have also called farmers to hear their problems."

Speaking about the delay in cabinet formation between the Congress and the Janata Dal Secular, he said, "The Cabinet will be formed very soon. Everybody is eager about it and it will be announced soon."

(With inputs rom Supriya Bhardwaj in New Delhi)

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