Karnataka, May 30: Cyclone Mekunu has left the Karnataka state in shambles. Taking the opportunity, the opposition parties are now attacking the newly constituted JD(S)-Congress coalition government for the lack of preparedness and failure to provide prompt relief facilities. Reportedly, both Congress and JD(S) are yet to take any decisions on the portfolio distribution, especially since HD Kumaraswamy wants to keep the finance portfolio while Congress is not ready to give it up. Therefore, the opposition parties have attacked the alliance for keeping the government in lurch, and for their failure to tackle the natural calamity.

According to news reports,  Mangalore, Udupi and other surrounding areas of Karnataka were worst hit due to the torrential rains that started on Tuesday morning. Many low-lying areas were submerged under rainwater, bringing life to a complete standstill.

Meanwhile,Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy took stock of the situation on Tuesday and directed the Deputy Commissioner to seek assistance from the coast guards to rescue people if such situation arises. He also instructed them to take necessary precautionary measures to mitigate severe damage and prevent loss of lives, in an official press release. PM Modi also tweeted and ensured assistance in the affected region.

Although Cyclone Mekunu has hit the coastal parts of Karnataka, continous rains have drenched many parts of the state. Therefore, schools and colleges were shut down and fishermen were advised not to venture out of the sea. Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) pressed in to handle the situation if downpours continue to lash the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 30, 2018 06:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).