Mira-Bhayandar: Unexpected and intense dust storm accompanied by heavy winds around 9 pm on May 5 caused widespread disruption across Mira Road, Bhayandar, and Vasai, exposing the lack of preparedness for monsoon-related contingencies by the municipal corporations of Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s (MBMC) and Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC).

In Bhayandar West, a massive tree uprooted near the skywalk adjacent to the railway station, blocking the arterial road and causing severe traffic congestion. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

In a more alarming incident, the chimney of the CNG-based crematorium in Bhayandar West toppled over in the wind. Adding to the concerns, a CCTV pole erected near the Bhayandar Railway Station broke and fell to the ground.

A video that went viral on social media showed metal sheets from a prominent three-star hotel being lifted into the air and landing on a live 11,000-volt power line. An explosion and fire reportedly followed. There were no immediate reports of injury.

Many of the roads had been left unrepaired after the laying of pipelines for the Surya Water Distribution Scheme, leading to muddy and waterlogged conditions.

Vasai tehsil bore the brunt of the storm and “a total of 41 houses were damaged in villages including Chandrapada, Juchandra, Parola, Arnala Fort, and Sandor,” tehsildar Avinash Koshti said.

In Nalasopara West, a 22 kV high-tension electricity line leading to a substation fell plunging over 50,000 consumers in Sopara, Neelmore, Yashwant Gaurav, Nala, and Waghole into darkness. Electricity restoration work is underway on a war footing.

The fire department confirmed that two large hoardings also collapsed in separate locations.