Incessant rainfall in Allahabad since the past two days has wreaked havoc in Kumbh Nagar forcing a large number of pilgrims to leave the township and return home.
The heavy rains have left behind a trail of disaster — uprooted tents, water logged roads, power cuts, and abundant slush and water in the entire township.
The sprawling Kumbh Mela area plunged into darkness late on Friday night and in some sector power was cut off to prevent electrocution since several wires had fallen upon the tents.
Divisional Commissioner of Allahabad, Devesh Chaturvedi, admitted that power supply has been cut to prevent any short circuits as at many places cables have fallen on tents.
“Kalpvasis”, who perform penance on the ghats of Ganga river for one month, woke up to knee deep water in their tents. Majority of them have left for their homes without completing the rituals while a large number of Kalpvasis have been shifted to local school buildings. Though rainfall finally stopped on Sunday morning, it will take several days before the township is resurrected again.
The Kumbh Mela administration has started plying additional buses to ensure a smooth exit for the pilgrims and forces have also been deployed at the railway stations to manage the crowds.
Mela officials are working overtime to restore some order.