Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visited the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar on Thursday to assess the extent of damage caused by multiple lightning strikes during a severe thunderstorm earlier this week.

According to reports, the sacred flag atop the temple was burnt, and several CCTV cameras, electrical fittings, and inverters inside the sanctum sanctorum were damaged. The incident also left electric bulbs and wiring systems non-functional, sparking concerns among temple priests and devotees. The lightning protection system, which failed to prevent the strike, is now under detailed examination by ASI engineers.

Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported. However, the sudden lightning strikes created panic among visitors and temple staff, many of whom were inside the premises when the storm hit.

The heavy rain and thunderstorm also disrupted normal life in Bhubaneswar, leading to waterlogging and traffic congestion in several low-lying areas.

The ASI team is now conducting a thorough inspection to determine the repair work required, ensuring that restoration and safety upgrades are carried out swiftly to protect the heritage structure from future incidents.

Powered by Froala Editor