PM Modi, Andhra CM Naidu Express Grief Over Vizag Temple Wall Collapse, Announce Cash Aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in a wall collapse incident at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple during the Chandanotsavam festival in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The mishap occurred in the early hours around 2:30 AM, when a 20-foot-long makeshift structure collapsed due to heavy rains, killing eight people and injuring four others.
The victims were reportedly standing in Rs 300 ticket queue line when the incident took place. Rescue efforts are ongoing with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed to the site.
Prime Minister Modi stated in a post on social media, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000."
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Andhra Pradesh Leaders Express Grief
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief and said the state government is closely monitoring the situation.
YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed his condolences, calling the deaths of the devotees “heart-wrenching” and urging the government to provide immediate assistance to the victims’ families.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the structural failure, with initial reports attributing the collapse to torrential rain weakening the temporary wall.
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