Devastating Billboard Collapse in Mumbai Claims 14 Lives Amidst Severe Weather Conditions

In a tragic incident in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area, a massive 250-tonne illegal advertisement hoarding collapsed onto a petrol pump due to extreme weather conditions, resulting in 14 fatalities. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the wind speed at the time of the accident reached a perilous 96 kmph. Additionally, 74 individuals were successfully rescued from the debris.

The collapse occurred during a sudden dust storm, with wind speeds initially recorded at up to 60 kmph, escalating rapidly. According to the IMD's statement on Tuesday, these conditions were monitored by the BMC's Automatic Weather Station, which confirmed the extreme wind speeds.

Other areas in Mumbai also experienced high wind speeds; Colaba recorded 51 kmph, Santacruz 87 kmph, and gusts up to 75 kmph were noted at Santacruz airport around 4:30 pm on Monday. This severe weather led to reduced visibility and the diversion of Mumbai-bound flights to alternative airports amid pre-monsoon showers.

Looking ahead, the IMD predicts a rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius over North Konkan in the coming days, which will subsequently drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius. Residents of Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar can expect hot and humid conditions to persist.