Simhasth Kumbh: Dust storm, heavy rains force evacuation of devotees from ghats of Shipra

Ujjain: A sudden dust storm followed by heavy rains forces the evacuation of thousands of devotees from the ghats of Shipra River on Monday afternoon.

The administration took the decision to avoid the recurrence of May 5 tragedy when 7 people lost their lives when a thunderstorm stuck at the mela site.

Today's evacuation was carried out when devotees were taking bath on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritya – marked by the second Shahi Snan.

Unconfirmed reports said that a few pandals and other structures have suffered damage in the incident.

More details are awaited.