Mumbai residents have experienced both relief and sadness as a result of a severe dust storm that cooled the city after an extreme temperature but had fatal effects.
A massive advertisement hoarding in Ghatkopar collapsed on Monday due to a strong dust storm, leaving 14 people dead and 75 injured. This tragedy comes after a similar incident that occurred in Delhi last week, when a dust storm during the night left two people dead and 23 wounded.
Igatpuri, which is situated halfway between Mumbai and Nashik, is where the dust storm first appeared, according to reports from Down To Earth. The storm was initially heading west, but the dominant winds caused it to abruptly turn southwest and head towards Kalyan and Thane. Unexpectedly, the storm’s path changed, worsening its effects on people and property.
What, then is a dust storm?
In India’s arid areas, dust storms—which are characterized by walls of dust and debris driven by powerful winds—are not unusual. They are often brought on by thunderstorms, which produce strong winds.
The creation of dust storms is caused by the ground warming over many days, according to KJ Ramesh, a former director-general of the India Meteorological Department, as reported by Down To Earth.
“Typically, convection forms and intensifies into a storm after four to five days of heating,” said Ramesh. Once established, these storms are fueled by gravity together with cold, dry “downdraft winds.”
Dust storms and climate change
It is thought that dust storm frequency and severity are impacted by climate change. The issue is exacerbated by altered patterns of air circulation and greater land degradation. Droughts and rising temperatures cause soil moisture to decrease, which increases the probability and intensity of dust storms.
The UNESCAP predicts that dust storms in South, South-West, and Central Asia—including India—will become more powerful and frequent as temperatures increase.
During dust storms, residents are encouraged to remain indoors, cover windows and doors, and use air purifiers to enhance the quality of the air.