Severe weather struck Mumbai on Monday evening, causing chaos and destruction across the city. Strong dust storms followed by heavy rain wreaked havoc in many areas, leading to multiple incidents of poles, scaffolding, and trees being uprooted.
The most devastating impact was witnessed in Ghatkopar, where a giant billboard collapsed onto a petrol pump, resulting in the tragic loss of 8 lives and injuring 64 others.
After a big sign fell down in Ghatkopar, the chief leader of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, told the people in charge to check if other big signs in Mumbai are safe. He also said they need to take down any signs that could hurt people and weren’t put up properly. By 9pm, 8 people had died, 64 were hurt, and about 20 to 30 might still be stuck.
Maharashtra | 54 people reported injured and over 100 feared trapped after a hoarding fell at the Police Ground Petrol Pump, Eastern Express Highway, Pantnagar, Ghatkopar East. Search and rescue is in process: BMC https://t.co/iFVxcHBQ4R
— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2024
The incident unfolded at the Police Ground petrol pump along the Eastern Express Highway in Pantnagar. Shocking videos circulated, showing several cars trapped beneath the fallen billboard. In response, a National Disaster Response Force team has been deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.
#WATCH | A tree was uprooted due to strong wind in the Jogeshwari Meghwadi Naka area of Mumbai.
One person was injured while the autorickshaw was damaged.
(Viral video confirmed by official) pic.twitter.com/P4H9amHiVJ
— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2024
The injured individuals were swiftly transported to the civic-run Rajawadi Hospital for urgent medical attention, stated an official familiar with the situation.
The adverse weather conditions also severely impacted flight operations at Mumbai airport, leading to a temporary suspension of services for approximately one hour. This disruption resulted in the diversion of at least 15 flights.
#WATCH | A tall metal structure standing opposite a building collapses due to a strong storm in the Wadala area of Maharashtra
(Viral video, confirmed by officials) pic.twitter.com/OM20Bu4PYw
— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2024
The India Meteorological Department issued warnings of continued strong winds in certain areas for the next four hours, advising residents to exercise caution.
A sign that wasn’t supposed to be there fell onto a gas station at Chhedanagar Junction during a big dust storm and rain. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is there helping with rescue efforts. Also, 60 workers from the Metro Line 4 Amar Mahal site are going to help too.
Additional incidents of damage were reported throughout the city. In Wadala, a scaffolding collapsed onto the road due to the intense storm, while in Jogeshwari, a tree was uprooted, injuring an autorickshaw driver named Hayat Khan. Locals swiftly assisted Khan and transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Videos circulating from various parts of Mumbai, including Goregaon, depicted reduced visibility caused by the dust storm, further exacerbating the chaotic situation.
Public transportation services were also significantly affected. Metro services between Aarey and Andheri East metro stations were suspended after a banner was blown onto the overhead wire by strong winds.
In addition, suburban train services on the Central Railway were disrupted due to a bent overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund stations, prompting the suspension of services on the Main Line.
Furtherly, power outages were reported in Kalwa in Thane district and several other areas, adding to the challenges faced by residents amidst the inclement weather conditions.
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