Nature plays havoc at Vontimitta

 ​Vontimitta (Kadapa): Two devotees died and two more are feared dead while several others were injured when thunder showers played spoil sport with Sita Rama Kalyanam at Kondanda Rama Swami temple on Friday. The two devotees died when sheds collapsed on them near the dais and their identifies are yet to be confirmed. 

Even though the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams made elaborate arrangements for the Celestial Wedding, sudden precipitation led to gusty winds and sudden downpour, which made the tents crash on the devotees. Though the hailstorm did not last long, yet it created extensive damage.

Devotees in huge number thronged the temple to watch the ceremony. The gales uprooted electric poles and threw up branches of trees into the sky. A majority people received injuries and children were found to be missing in the chaos that ensued. A similar situation prevailed at the temple where devotees were offering prayers. Sudden outage of power made them panic and they began running in different directions. 

The APSRTC shifted the injured devotees to the nearest hospitals for first aid. Chief Minister, who arrived at Kadapa at 5.45 pm to offer celestial attires for the Kalyanam at 8 pm, had to confine to the guest house there as the security staff warned him against visiting the temple during the thunderstorm.

Since the officials made only temporary arrangements for performing Kalyanam, the Chief Minister was warned not come to the temple sincere there was possibility of more cloudbursts.

The Chief Minister is monitoring the situation from the guest house, directing the senior officials to extend a helping hand to the devotees. Storm water reached the spot where priests planned to organise Kalyanam. Finally, priests performed the celestial Wedding amid continuous deluge.