Rare Tornado ‘Haathisundh’ Over Odisha’s Chilika Lake Startles Visitors, Locals [Watch]

Bhubaneswar: Visitors to Chilika Lake in Odisha were left both stunned and terrified after witnessing a massive tornado spiralling over the water in a rare natural spectacle.

This is believed to be the first recorded instance of a tornado in the state, which frequently faces cyclones and typhoons during this season.

According to sources, this towering column of swirling wind and water triggered by an abrupt atmospheric pressure shift appeared suddenly southwest of the Kalijai temple, where many visitors were enjoying boat rides and sightseeing across the lake. While tourists panicked and began scurrying for safety, some also captured the brief event, which lasted only a few minutes before dissipating, on their phones, with videos going viral on social media.

Waterspout spotted at Chilika, Kalijai. pic.twitter.com/hZSU4hbEef

— Odisha Weatherman (@OdishaWeather7) October 11, 2025

This rare phenomenon is locally referred to the phenomenon as ‘Hatiasundha’ — meaning elephant trunk — owing to its distinct shape.

Speaking to local media, state meteorologist Biswajit Sahoo confirmed formation of the waterspout over Chilika Lake on Friday. He identified it as a type of tornado that occurs over large water bodies. He further explained that the phenomenon, common in seas around the US and Canada, are rare in India, though a few have occurred along the Bay of Bengal, including in West Bengal. “In Odisha, such events are extremely infrequent,” he added.

Chilika Lake has reported such events in the years 2018 and 2019.