Why recent dust storm in Mumbai and Delhi proved to be fatal? Read Details
PTC Web Desk: A severe dust storm swept through Mumbai, offering relief from scorching heat, but leaving tragedy in its wake. The tempest, which originated near Igatpuri between Mumbai and Nashik, proved catastrophic as it shifted southwest towards Kalyan and Thane, propelled by prevailing winds.
On Monday, the force of the storm led to the collapse of a large advertising hoarding in Ghatkopar, claiming the lives of 14 persons and leaving 75 others injured. This calamity echoed a similar incident in Delhi just a week prior, where a nocturnal dust storm resulted in two deaths and 23 injuries.
What are dust storms?
Dust storms, characterised by towering walls of dust and debris carried by powerful winds, are a familiar occurrence in arid regions of India. Typically triggered by thunderstorms, these phenomena manifest due to prolonged land heating, as explained by experts. Convection, necessary for storm formation, necessitates several days of land heating. Subsequently, the advent of dust storms is facilitated by cold, arid downdraft winds, aided by gravity.
The influence of climate change further exacerbates the frequency and intensity of dust storms. Altered atmospheric circulation patterns and escalating land degradation contribute to this phenomenon. Climatic shifts, marked by rising temperatures and persistent droughts, diminish soil moisture, amplifying the probability and severity of dust storms. According to reports by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), regions encompassing South, South-West, and Central Asia, including India, will encounter heightened occurrences of intense dust storms as temperatures continue to soar.
In response to such environmental hazards, residents are urged to prioritise safety measures during dust storms. Staying indoors, ensuring the closure of windows and doors, and utilising air purifiers to mitigate airborne pollutants are recommended practices to safeguard against adverse health effects.