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| MODI; COLLAPSED BRIDGE |
Following the bridge collapse that claimed several lives, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday cancelled all political campaigning and a roadshow in the Gujarat region.
When Mr Modi brought up the fatalities in Morbi, Gujarat, where a century-old cable suspension bridge known as the "Jhulto Pool" (swinging bridge) fell into the Machchhu river on Sunday, he broke down in tears.
“I am in Kevadia, but my heart goes out to the Morbi bridge collapse victims,” Mr Modi stated while visiting Kevadia, a city in Gujarat’s Narmada district.
He postponed a roadshow that he had planned to hold in Ahmedabad due to the incident.
"Troupes from around the country travelled to Kevadia to perform traditional dances, but their programme has been cancelled owing to current circumstances," the prime minister said in a statement to the grieving families.
The Indian prime minister paid respect to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on what would have been his 147th birthday while on a three-day visit to Gujarat, his home state.
In Morbi, around 220 kilometres from Ahmedabad, a bridge across the Machchhu River collapsed, prompting search activities by Indian rescue forces.
Following the tragic bridge collapse on Sunday, at least 141 people—mostly women, children, and the elderly—died, while a number of others are still unaccounted for.
The bridge was a major tourist attraction, which was reopened last week after being closed for seven months due to renovation.