Rains batter Andhra village amid heavy rush at temple, 4 killed; Chandrababu Naidu safe

As many as four people were killed and nearly 30 injured after a sudden downpour and hailstorm hit Vontimitta village in Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh. The village, home to the famous Kodandarama Temple, saw sudden rains and hailstorm on Friday night.

As part of Ram Navami celebrations, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and scores of devotees had gathered to witness 'Srirama Kalyanam' or the marriage ceremony of Lord Ram in the aforementioned temple.

However, massive rain and hailstorms hampered the programme. While shelters were in place for devotees attending the ceremony, the heavy downpour caused all shelters and temporary sheds to collapse, thus causing injuries to devotees, and claiming at least four lives.

Kadapa Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed that chief minister Naidu was not in the temple premises at the time of the mishap. More details are awaited.