Dust storm, rain batter Mumbai, 3 killed, 59 injured in hoarding collapse
Mumbai was caught off guard by the strong dust storm, which crippled transport, uprooted trees and structures, and led to power outage in many districts of the financial capital.
At least three people were killed and 59 injured after a giant billboard fell on a petrol pump in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area on Monday. The incident happened due to strong dust storms followed by heavy rain which caused mayhem in the city.
The incident occurred at the Police Ground petrol pump along the Eastern Express Highway in Pantnagar. Videos showed several cars being trapped under the billboard.
Mumbai was caught off guard by the strong dust storm, which crippled transport, uprooted trees and structures, and led to power outage in many districts of the financial capital. The sky turned dark when the dust storm hit the city, with people posting visuals on social media.
Local trains, a section of the metro network, and airport services were temporarily stopped amid a darkening sky.
"Due to the inclement weather and dust storms in the city, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) temporarily suspended flight operations for around 66 minutes due to low visibility and gusty winds," Mumbai airport said in a statement. Operations resumed at 17:03 hours. During this time, the airport saw 15 diversions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai issued a "nowcast warning" forecasting a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense rain for Thane, Palghar and Mumbai.
The metro did not run between Aarey and Andheri East after a billboard landed on the overheard wire. Suburban trains were affected after an overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund got bent due to the strong winds. The suburban services on the main line have been stopped, the chief spokesperson of Central Railway said.
The unseasonal rain brought some respite from the scorching heat, but power outage in Thane's Kalwa and some other areas led to more trouble for residents. The dust storm also uprooted trees in some areas across the city. The satellite towns of Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar received moderate rain.
What's Your Reaction?
