Massive Dust Storm Hits Thane, Mumbai; Locals Share Videos

Mumbai: A massive dust storm hit Thane district and areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region on Thursday evening, plunging the regions into darkness and reducing visibility. There is a high alert in Mumbai and neighbouring areas as heavy rain and lightening is expected.

Locals flooded the internet with videos of the dust storm as skylines in Kalyan, Dombivli, Mulund, and Navi Mumbai disappeared behind thick brown haze of dust. 

Residents have been advised to stay indoors.

As dust storms hit parts of Kalyan, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s helicopter was forced to change course, and the pilot safely landed the chopper at Juhu Pawan Hans, Mumbai. Shinde was travelling from Mumbai to Murbad to attend a wedding ceremony when the pilot noticed a storm approaching as they reached Airoli.

“Sensing potential danger, the pilot immediately informed Deputy CM Shinde and advised that the helicopter should turn back instead of proceeding further,” an official said, adding, “Due to the pilot’s timely alertness and presence of mind, the helicopter was turned back and safely landed at the Pawan Hans helipad in Juhu. No one was injured in the incident, and all those on board, including Deputy CM Shinde, are safe.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai as thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected in the city.