Yesterday, Mumbai and its neighboring areas were plunged into chaos as a powerful dust storm and thunderstorm wreaked havoc across the city. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert, cautioning residents of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and dry, gusty winds, especially in Thane and Raigad districts.
The storm, with wind speeds ranging between 30-40 km/h, reduced visibility to a mere 300 meters and brought rainfall exceeding 20mm between 4 pm and 6:30 pm. Tragically, the storm claimed 14 lives and left over 74 individuals injured.
A horrifying incident unfolded at the Chedda Nagar Junction in Ghatkopar, where a colossal 250-ton billboard collapsed with alarming force, directly towards a petrol pump. The collapse, captured in chilling CCTV footage, resulted in multiple casualties and extensive damage to vehicles.
Currently, rescue efforts are underway as 20 to 30 individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble. Maharashtra’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with specialized teams, is aiding the Mumbai Fire Brigade in search and rescue operations.
Investigations revealed that the massive hoardings, owned by Ego Media, were erected without proper authorization or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the BMC. Furthermore, the hoardings exceeded permissible size limits, prompting Mumbai Police to register a case against the responsible parties.
In a similar incident, a metal parking structure near ShreeJi Tower in Wadala East collapsed, trapping individuals and damaging parked vehicles. Prompt action by the Mumbai Fire Brigade ensured the safe rescue of those trapped.
The transportation system bore the brunt of the storm, with flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport suspended temporarily due to low visibility and gusty winds. Local train services faced disruptions, and metro services between Aarey and Andheri East stations were suspended after a banner obstructed overhead wires.
Additionally, power fluctuations caused widespread inconvenience, leading to disrupted train services and prolonged power cuts across the city. Structural damage, uprooted trees, and injuries were reported in satellite towns like Thane, Ambernath, and Kalyan.
As Mumbai grapples with the aftermath of this calamity, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced financial aid for the families of the deceased and pledged to conduct a structural audit of all hoardings in the city. Citizens are urged to exercise caution and stay vigilant as the IMD's warning remains in effect for today.
Amidst the chaos, social media platforms have become a space for residents to share their experiences and raise awareness about the situation. With over 12,000 tweets, 'Mumbai Rains' emerged as yesterday's trending topic on Twitter, highlighting the widespread impact of the storm on the city's residents.
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