Mumbai was thrown into disarray on Monday as a powerful dust storm swept through the city, disrupting transportation, causing structural damage, and leaving many areas without power. The sudden onset of the storm plunged the skyline into darkness, with residents taking to social media to share startling visuals of the event.
In one harrowing incident, thirty-five individuals were injured when a metal billboard collapsed in Ghatkopar amidst the ferocious dust storm at around 4:30 pm. Reports suggest that some individuals may still be trapped under the debris, as rescue operations are underway at the site, opposite a petrol station.
The dust storm wreaked havoc across Mumbai, leading to the temporary suspension of local trains, sections of the metro network, and airport services due to reduced visibility and gusty winds.
According to a statement from Mumbai airport, flight operations were halted for approximately 66 minutes, resulting in 15 diversions, before resuming at 5:03 pm. The incident underscores the challenges posed by severe weather conditions on aviation operations, despite the airport’s recent completion of pre-monsoon runway maintenance.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a “nowcast warning,” forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense rainfall for Thane, Palghar, and Mumbai.
The dust storm also caused disruptions in the city’s transportation infrastructure, with the metro service between Aarey and Andheri East suspended after a billboard fell on overhead wires. Suburban train services on the main line were halted following damage to overhead equipment poles between Thane and Mulund.
While the unseasonal rain brought relief from the scorching heat, power outages in areas like Thane’s Kalwa compounded the challenges faced by residents. Additionally, uprooted trees and moderate rainfall in satellite towns such as Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar further added to the chaos and inconvenience caused by the unprecedented weather event.
