Tornado Hanthisund in Odisha's Chilika
Tornado Hanthisund in Odisha's Chilika Lake
Tornadoes are uncommon in India, and usually limited to specific eastern and northeastern regions. The sudden emergence of such an impactful natural phenomenon tends to cause fear and flight, especially when one sees it up close. Recently, a tornado appeared over a famous coast in Odisha, surprising tourists and locals. The tornado had a unique shape, and several videos went viral on social media showing the sudden tornado.


Tourists called it 'Hanthisuund'

The unique shape of the tornado reminded onlookers of an elephant's trunk, getting it the local nickname "Haathisundh", on Friday, when the visitors at Odisha's Chilika Lake were surprised to see a rare tornado-like column formed above the water.

Chilika Lake, India's largest brackish water lagoon located on the east coast of Odisha, attracts thousands of tourists annually for its natural beauty and biodiversity. However, the peaceful atmosphere changed dramatically when a towering spiral of wind and water appeared suddenly southwest of the famous Kalijai Temple, dedicated to the presiding deity of the lake.