বাংলায় পড়ুন
On a leisurely Sunday afternoon, residents of Kolkata were shaken by a sudden calamity as thunder struck a mall complex in the heart of the city's bustling Dharmatala area. The incident occurred amidst an already foreboding sky, heavy with ominous clouds hinting at an impending disaster. While the city and its surrounding districts were already grappling with inclement weather, this unforeseen event added to the day's chaos.
Eyewitnesses report that around 1 p.m., a deafening roar reverberated through Dharmatala, sending shockwaves across the neighborhood. The thunderous sound, akin to a bomb blast, startled even those as far away as Chandni Chowk. It was evident that Dharmatala Square had become the epicentre of a crisis.
In the wake of the thunder strike, pedestrians and shoppers alike found themselves in jeopardy as a pillar supporting a multi-story shopping mall majorly collapsed, sending debris cascading onto the streets below. Quick reflexes and sheer luck spared many from harm's way as people scrambled for cover amidst the chaos. Mall staff, too, evacuated in panic, abandoning their posts as fear gripped the premises.
The situation took a turn for the worse as heavy rainfall compounded the already tense atmosphere. The downpour, though brief, intensified the commotion, flooding the streets and adding to the confusion. Fortunately, the sparse crowds due to the holiday likely mitigated potential casualties, sparing the city from further devastation.
Initial assessments indicate significant damage, with the collapsed pillar strewn nearly 100 metres from its original position. Moreover, the structural integrity of the mall has been compromised, with reports of cracked walls adding to the concerns. Authorities have already initiated repair work, but the road to recovery promises to be arduous.
As Kolkata grapples with the aftermath of this unexpected event, questions arise about the city's infrastructure preparedness and the resilience of its buildings in the face of natural calamities. While the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature, it also underscores the need for robust safety measures to safeguard lives and property in the future.
