The structure fell at a school in Odakkali after classes had ended. Students and teachers had already left the premises; no casualties were reported in the source account.
The auditorium at Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in Odakkali, near Kothamangalam in Kerala, collapsed at about 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday amid heavy rain and strong winds. The school day had ended, and students and teachers had left the premises.
Asamannoor grama panchayat president Salim N.M. said the open, steel-framed canopy had been built four years ago. He said possible construction lapses should be investigated; the cause of the collapse has not been established.
Kuruppampady police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel visited the site. Salim said the remains should be removed immediately to ensure students’ safety. The storm also disrupted power and snapped tree branches.