Bangladesh: Catastrophe in the Rain

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Inside Jagannath Hall, a residence for non-Muslims attending the University of Dhaka, more than 400 students packed the auditorium to watch Shuktara, a popular weekly television drama. Outside, high winds and torrential rains buffeted the building. Without warning, the roof collapsed, killing at least 35 people and injuring scores of others. Said Amalendu Bose, one of the survivors hurt in the disaster: "It was like hell let loose all of a sudden." Rear Admiral Sultan Ahmed, the No. 2 man in the Bangladesh government, arrived on the scene to supervise rescue efforts. The task of freeing victims from the rubble was hampered by a power failure and the incessant downpour.

Officials of the residence later disclosed that outside panels of the 2,800-sq.-ft. auditorium's corrugated-metal roof had been removed as part of a repair program and that rain had weakened the ceiling underneath. A plan to demolish the old structure had been postponed because of a shortage of funds. Two engineers supervising the repair work were suspended. The President of Bangladesh, Lieut. General H.M. Ershad, appointed a commission to investigate.