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Massive dust storm engulfs Mumbai, killing at least 14 and injuring 74

ByTeo Blašković
massive dust storm mumbai damage casualties may 2024

Image credit: Mumbai Weather (stillshot)

A catastrophic dust storm swept through Mumbai, India, on Monday, May 13, 2024, beginning at 15:00 local time and persisting for more than two hours. The storm claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals and injured over 70 others, wreaking havoc across the city.

Mumbai was struck by a severe dust storm on May 13, a rare event for the coastal city, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Starting around 15:00 local time, the storm quickly engulfed the city, and lasted for about two hours. This unexpected weather phenomenon darkened the skies, dramatically reduced visibility, and caused multiple emergencies across the city.

Strong winds produced by the storm were directly responsible for at least 14 deaths and at least 74 injuries when a 30 m (100 foot) tall iron advertising billboard collapsed onto several homes and a petrol station in Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar, around 16:15 local time.

Approximately 70 others were feared trapped under the debris.

In response, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the situation as “extremely serious and unfortunate” and announced a high-level investigation into the event.

Additionally, a large metal scaffolding in Wadala collapsed onto a main road, crushing around a dozen vehicles.

Emergency response teams, including over a dozen fire engines from the Mumbai Fire Brigade and expert teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were deployed. These teams rescued 62 individuals from the billboard collapse in Ghatkopar and continue searching for those still trapped.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport had to suspend flight operations for approximately 66 minutes due to low visibility and gusty winds. Metro services between Aarey and Andheri East were suspended after a banner landed on the overhead wire, and suburban services on the Central Railway’s Main Line were halted due to an overhead equipment pole getting bent between Thane and Mulund stations.

The sudden storm left homes, offices, shops, and other buildings covered in a thick layer of dust. Many residents reported that the dust blew in abruptly before they had a chance to close doors and windows.

Following the storm, the region experienced rainfall, which provided some relief from the preceding heat and humidity but compounded the challenges for commuters, bringing traffic to a standstill as many took shelter.

References:

1 Eight Killed, Over 60 Injured As Hoarding Collapses During Mumbai Dust Storm – ETV – May 13, 2024

2 Mumbai: 8 killed, 64 injured as massive billboard collapses in Ghatkopar amid rains, gusty winds – WION – May 13, 2024

Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.

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