MARAN: The unprecedented major floods which affected the prominent Sri Marathandavar Aalayam temple in Sungai Jerik here last week has resulted in losses estimated more than RM1 million.
Inundated in 3m-deep murky water, the temple building, cafeteria, hostel, workers quarters, office (ground floor), kitchen and priest's house were badly damaged in the incident.
The floods which occurred when the nearby Sungai Jerik burst its banks on New Year's day resulting in floodwaters gushing into the temple and nearby areas, only receded on Thursday (Jan 7).
Temple president G. Ramakrishnan said the devastation caused by the floods was unbelievable as the temple premises and surrounding areas were in a complete mess.
"The temple's mini peacock chariot was swept away by floodwaters for about 1km. Swift currents resulted in broken wooden doors and pushed debris into the temple compound, while the temple was covered by thick mud sludge.
"Although the temple was reopened for prayers on Saturday (Jan 9), the management has decided to close the kitchen, cafeteria, hostel, workers quarters and certain sections of the office for a month for cleaning," he said when contacted today.
Meanwhile, Ramakrishnan said the temple management might need some time to put things back in order to cope with the aftermath of the "unusual" floods.
"The temple area is often hit by flash floods and even in 2007, the damages were minor and losses were about RM150,000. So far, we have washed the temple twice with the assistance from the fire and rescue department and the cleaning process continues.
"The priest's house located several metres from Sungai Jerik was totally ruined. The priest had sought shelter at the first floor of the hostel building (located outside the temple premises) while some workers were evacuated to the nearby relief centre.
"The temple was under 3m of water and during the height of the floods last week, workers had to use boats to enter the temple area to check on the damages," he said, adding prayers have resumed as normal but the other sections remained close.
The 129-year old temple which is surrounded by an oil palm plantation attracts some 450,000 Hindu devotees annually during the annual 'Panguni Uthiram' festival between March and April.