A rare waterspout formation off the coast of Puri left tourists and local residents amazed on Saturday as dramatic visuals of the phenomenon quickly spread across social media.
The unusual weather event was witnessed near the Astaranga coast in Odisha’s Puri district, where dark storm clouds gathered over the sea before a massive funnel-shaped column descended toward the water surface.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the phenomenon developed due to unstable atmospheric conditions over the Bay of Bengal. Officials also urged fishermen and boat operators to remain cautious and alert during such weather conditions.
Watch: Rare Waterspout Forms Off Odisha's Puri Coast, Stuns Touristshttps://t.co/6CGN0atCCi pic.twitter.com/Fcx0xncSFA
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Funnel Cloud Resembled An Elephant’s Trunk
Eyewitnesses said the weather suddenly changed on Saturday afternoon as heavy rain clouds covered the coastline and strong winds intensified over the sea.
Soon after, a long rotating funnel began stretching downward from the clouds toward the ocean, creating a swirling vortex on the water surface below.
In the local Odia dialect, the phenomenon is popularly called “Hatisunda,” which translates to “Elephant’s Trunk,” because of its striking resemblance to the trunk of an elephant.
Crowds gathered along the coastline to witness the rare sight, while several tourists recorded videos and photographs on their mobile phones.
What Is A Waterspout?
Meteorologists describe a waterspout as a rotating column of air that forms over water bodies such as seas, lakes or reservoirs.
The weather phenomenon generally occurs when warm, moisture-rich air rises rapidly into an unstable atmosphere beneath towering storm clouds. Under suitable wind and pressure conditions, the rotating funnel extends downward toward the water surface.
While waterspouts are more common in tropical and coastal regions, they remain relatively rare events and can pose dangers to fishermen and small boats operating nearby.
Experts Advise Fishermen To Stay Vigilant
Weather experts noted that such atmospheric disturbances are occasionally observed along the Odisha coastline during periods of instability in the Bay of Bengal, especially before or during storm activity.
Authorities advised fishermen and coastal communities to remain alert whenever similar cloud formations or sudden cyclonic wind patterns emerge over the sea.