Community rallies for those trapped in Verulam temple disaster

SOCIAL media users are uniting in prayer and support for individuals Trapped under the debris of a four-storey building under construction at the River Range Ranch temple in Verulam collapsed a short while ago. 

Reaction Unit South Africa, who were at the scene in Redcliff, had sent out a plea to medical or rescue teams to provide support to its officers and paramedics. 

Prem Balram, of Rusa, had said at the time that survivors were communicating via voice notes from under the building.

Facebook user, Olika A Bhugwandeen, wrote: "... May God’s grace surround them, steady them, and protect them through these frightening moments. We pray for courage, calm, and hope for those trapped, and for wisdom and endurance for the rescuers. May every life be held in compassion, and may they all be brought out safely." 

Kessie Gounder added: "I pray people and families are safe and that people stand together to assist this unfortunate moment. God bless all who are helping." 

Shirley Welman wrote: "God please intervene... they need you lord... save everyone underneath trapped... In Jesus Name."  

Vick Panday built the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection, which has been fashioned to look like a cave. The temple, erected in honour of the Hindu God Lord Nrsimhadeva, is situated in the Vrindavan Eco Village in Verulam and its official opening took place in will take place in May last year. 

“This temple is meant to provide people with an opportunity for engaging in spiritual practices that will raise their consciousness without regard to race or creed..." Panday told the POST at the time. 

“My brother, Viresh, and I are both passionate about the worship of Nrsimhadeva and our goal is to usher in security and protection in a crime ridden society. It’s one of the reasons we named the temple ‘Temple of Protection..." 

The temple construction was modelled after Ahobilam in the Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in India. The temple is unique in that the deity is a 4 ton, 2.7m high form of Nrsimhadeva with the celestial snake Anantasesa forming the base.

It is not yet known if this is an extension to the original temple. 

This is a developing story. 

THE POST