HOOGHLY: A massive Durga Puja pandal came crashing down in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Monday as severe cyclonic winds from the approaching Cyclone Motha battered the region, leaving at least seven people injured in a dramatic prelude to the storm's expected landfall.
The incident occurred at the Tarakeswar Sarbajanin Puja Committee pandal in Dankuni around 4:30 PM, when powerful gusts of wind tore through the temporary structure, sending bamboo poles and decorative materials flying through the air. Panic erupted as devotees and visitors scrambled for safety amid the collapsing framework.
Rescue Operations and Medical Response
Local authorities and police responded immediately to the emergency, launching rescue operations to extract trapped individuals from the debris. All seven injured persons were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
"The injured have sustained mostly minor injuries and fractures," confirmed a police official from Dankuni police station. "They are currently receiving medical care and are reported to be in stable condition."
Cyclone Motha Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal
The pandal collapse comes as Cyclone Motha continues to gain strength over the Bay of Bengal, with the India Meteorological Department issuing warnings for several districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and East and West Medinipur. The weather system is expected to bring:
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall across coastal districts
- Wind speeds reaching 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph
- High tidal waves and storm surges in low-lying areas
- Potential damage to temporary structures and power lines
Administration on High Alert
West Bengal administration has been put on high alert, with disaster management teams deployed across vulnerable districts. The State Government has issued advisories urging residents to:
- Avoid venturing out near coastal areas
- Secure loose objects around homes and establishments
- Follow official weather updates regularly
- Cooperate with evacuation orders if issued
"This incident serves as a stark reminder of the cyclone's potential impact. We urge all Puja committees to take immediate precautions and ensure public safety," stated a district administration official.
The timing is particularly concerning with Durga Puja celebrations at their peak, raising concerns about the safety of numerous temporary structures erected across the state for the festival.
