Dust Storm, Season's First Rain Hit Mumbai
Mumbai: Mumbaikars were taken by surprise today evening as massive dust storm and rain hit the business capital that led to destruction of property in many areas. The sudden change in the weather crippled transport, uprooted trees and structures, and lead to power outage in the city. Videos and images are viral on social media of the residents witnessing dust storm and season”s first rain.
Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate rainfall in certain areas of the city.
Furthermore, the weather department cautioned about gusty winds expected to reach speeds of 40-50 kmph in isolated parts of Mumbai within the next four hours, urging residents to exercise caution.
It is raining with dust storm in Mumbai, the weather is very strange.?🤔#DustStorm #MumbaiRains #LeoDas#SSMB29 pic.twitter.com/1YxyyS2Q4H
— Arpit~Kushwah (@ArpitKushwah3) May 13, 2024
Seven individuals sustained injuries when a metal billboard collapsed on them amidst a severe dust storm in Mumbai”s Ghatkopar at 4:30 pm. Reports suggest that some individuals may still be trapped under the debris. The billboard, situated opposite a petrol station, came crashing down, as depicted in visuals capturing the moment.
#DustStorm over Lower Parel. #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/eVBz2JUsrP
— Mumbai Weather (@IndiaWeatherMan) May 13, 2024
Authorities have dispatched rescue teams to the site to search for survivors who may be trapped beneath the rubble.
Meanwhile, metro services were disrupted between Aarey and Andheri East after a billboard fell onto the overhead wire. Suburban train operations were also affected due to a bent overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund, caused by the strong winds.
First Dubai, then Soudi Arabia , then Delhi and now Mumbai. Mumbai will remember this day. Day of Massive Dust Storm with Blinding Rains. Lots of incidents in the city. Some visuals of the day across Mumbai #Duststorm #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/QdCU3sCtPc
— Mumbai Nowcast (@MumbaiNowcast) May 13, 2024
Central Railway”s chief spokesperson confirmed the suspension of suburban services on the main line.
While the unanticipated rainfall offered relief from the oppressive heat, power outages in areas like Thane”s Kalwa exacerbated difficulties for residents.
Additionally, the dust storm uprooted trees in various parts of the city. Moderate rainfall was reported in satellite towns such as Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar.
