[Watch] Massive Dust Storm Throws Mumbai Off Gear; Airport Operations Affected

Mumbai: A massive dust storm hit Mumbai on Monday, turning the sky black and grey, and heralding darkness around 3 pm.

Strong breeze and the season’s first rainfall brought relief to Mumbaikars and residents of adjoining areas in the midst of a hot summer, but the skyline was covered by dusty and irritating winds.

The sudden change in weather caught commuters unaware and brought traffic to a standstill amid the dust storm.

Operations at Mumbai airport, one of the country’s busiest, were affected. With planes not receiving signals from ATC, landing and take-off had to be suspended for about half an hour.

Dozens of trees fell in several areas, hoardings collapsed and several vehicles were damaged.

Watch videos of dust storm affecting life in Mumbai as posted by several users on X:

The Met office said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are very likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Palghar and Thane for 3-4 hours.