PM Narendra Modi pained at loss of lives in Andhra Pradesh stampede
Modi tweeted: "Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Rajahmundry. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured."
He said: "I spoke to CM @ncbn & discussed the situation with him. The State Government is working to restore normalcy."
At least 27 people were killed in the stampede during Godavari Pushkaralu festival in Andhra Pradesh.,
Reports said several others have been injured in the incident and the death toll is likely to rise.
The Godavari Pushkaralu festival is being held on river Godavari's banks.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is at the spot to monitor the situation. The bodies of victims, all women, were shifted to Rajahmundry government hospital.
The stampede took place when the devotees rushed to take a holy dip in the river at Kotagummam pushkar ghat at the time of sunrise.
The festival, "Maha Pushkaralu", celebrates rivers and draws huge crowds for taking holy dips.
The festival, known as the "Kumbh of south" occurs once every 144 years.
This is the first time the festival is being held after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
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