UJJAIN, INDIA, May 5, 2016 (Outlook): Seven people were killed and around 90 others injured when heavy rains accompanied by lightning and squalls flattened and uprooted makeshift tents of pilgrims in and around the site of ongoing Simbatha Kumbh Mela here this evening.
According to police official B.S. Chauhan, nearly a third of the tents put up by the pilgrims were blown away in the squall. Authorities fear that the death toll may rise as the rescuers are clearing the collapsed tents and pulling out the people trapped under them.
The rain made large parts of the Mela ground slushy, making the rescue operation difficult. Authorities have cut off the electricity supply to the area as a precautionary measure. The state government has spent more than US$540 million for developing infrastructure and facilities for the month-long congregation. The second Shahi Snan (royal bath) is slated for May 9.