Prayagraj: Heavy Rain and Waterlogging Cause Damage to Swaminarayan Temple, 3-Storey Building Collapses

A three-storey building inside the Swaminarayan Temple complex in Prayagraj collapsed late last night after the foundation was weakened by waterlogging in an adjoining construction pit. The loud crash was mistaken by nearby residents for an earthquake, sparking panic in the area.

Waterlogged basement pit weakened foundation

The temple, located in George Town opposite KP College near the Sangam area, has had construction work under way for around four months. A large pit had been dug for basement construction, reaching a depth of roughly 25 feet. Days of continuous rainfall caused the pit to fill with water, gradually weakening the foundation of the adjacent three-storey structure until it gave way overnight.

Building had 12 rooms, no one present at the time

The collapsed structure contained 12 rooms that were used to accommodate visiting guests and other people associated with the temple. Fortunately, no one was inside the building when it collapsed, and there were no injuries reported.

Loud noise sparked panic among locals

The sound of the collapse was so loud that residents in the surrounding area initially believed an earthquake had struck, prompting many to rush outdoors in alarm. It was only afterwards that locals learned the noise had come from the collapse of the three-storey building within the Swaminarayan Temple complex, bringing some relief once the cause became clear.