Muscat, Oman – A devastating incident occurred on Sunday, October 20, when a building collapsed in the Wilayat of Sur, resulting in the tragic deaths of two elderly Indian expatriates. The victims, identified as 88-year-old Purushottam Neera Nandu and his 80-year-old wife, Padmini Purushottam, had been residing in the area with their family, who have been conducting business in Oman since the mid-1940s. The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) confirmed the recovery of the couple's bodies, which were trapped beneath the debris of the collapsed structure. Fortunately, their son and daughter-in-law, who live nearby, were unharmed during the incident.
Local sources reported that heavy rainfall in the region contributed to the building's collapse. Sur experienced an unprecedented downpour, with over 200mm of rain recorded in just two days due to a recent tropical storm. The severe weather has raised concerns about the safety of older buildings in the area. The loss of the Purushottam couple has left a deep void in the local Indian community, where they were well-known and respected figures.
Family members and friends have expressed their grief over the tragic event, highlighting the couple's long-standing connection to the region. As authorities assess the damage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the impacts of extreme weather conditions and the vulnerabilities faced by aging infrastructure. The community mourns the loss of two individuals whose lives were intertwined with the fabric of Sur for decades.
