Rains and gusty winds lashed parts of Mumbai and neighbouring metropolitan areas on May 13, disrupting Metro and local train services. A 100-foot tall billboard was uprooted and fell on a petrol pump at the Cheddanagar Junction in Ghatkopar area, killing three, injuring 59 people and trapping many more.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai has issued a “nowcast warning” forecasting a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense spells of rain for Thane, Palghar and Mumbai.
“Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and light to moderate spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph is very likely to occur at isolated places in Mumbai in the next 3-4 hours,” an official of IMD said.
Hoarding collapse in Ghatkopar
Three people were reported dead and 59 were injured among those rescued at the Ghatkopar billboard crash site. The hoardings collapsed near the petrol pump at Cheda Nagar Gymkhana Recreation Centre, sector 3, Mumbai. As per the BMC, “Advertised hoarding along the roadside had collapsed on nearby houses and petrol pump thereby more than 100 people likely trapped.” The rescue operation of said trapped person is in progress by MFB, Police, Ward Staff, 108 Ambulance, NDRF, BPCL Officials, MGL, and Adani Energy.
The incident of Patra shade (roofing sheet) collapsing was reported by the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) at 4.30 p.m. at Police Ground Petrol Pump, Eastern Express Highway, Pantnagar, Ghatkopar East. Officials from BMC said, “Due to patra shade falls, some people are likely to be trapped. A search and rescue operation is in process. Agencies such as MFB, police and 101 ambulance service are mobilised...”
A metal steel parking in Barkat Ali Naka collapsed, opposite the warehouse, near Shree Ji Tower, Wadala (East) in Mumbai around 4:22 p.m. The incident was reported by MFB at 5:50 p.m. Officials from BMC said, “The entire metal steel parking near the Shree Ji tower had collapsed. Around 10 vehicles were parked on the nearby roadside, leaving one person trapped inside car. The rescue operation of said trapped person is in progress by MFB. We have mobilised MFB, Police and 108 ambulance.”
Due to sudden rains with gutsy winds, the main line and harbour line suburban services are running behind schedule. Suburban services on Central Railway were affected after an overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund stations got bent due to strong winds, an official said.
The suburban services on the Main Line have been suspended, the chief spokesperson of Central Railway said.
While the unseasonal showers brought some respite from the scorching heat, power outages were reported in Kalwa in Thane district and some other areas. Apart from this, incidents of trees falling were also reported in some places.
Flight operations suspended
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.
Operations resumed at 5:03 p.m., CSMIA said in a statement. During this time, the airport witnessed 15 diversions. CSMIA last week completed its pre-monsoon runway maintenance successfully, ensuring safe and smooth aircraft operations. Committed to efficiency and passenger safety, the airport remains steadfast to prioritise seamless operations.
Rains coupled with gusty winds were witnessed in the suburbs of Dadar, Kurla, Mahim, Ghatkopar, Mulund and Vikhroli, while parts of south Mumbai saw drizzles.
The satellite towns of Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar also received moderate showers with gusty winds.
BEST services hit
A tree was uprooted at Marathi school, Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar and at Hingwala lane Ghatkopar (E). Due to the storm, bus routes 117, 174, 14, 15, 172 and 88 have been diverted. From Devendra Chowk, bus route number 9 will go to G.T.B. Station and then proceed towards Wadala Church via Maheshwari Garden along the existing route.
(With PTI inputs)
