The formation of a rare tornado in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor area on Saturday evening left residents and experts anxious and surprised. Panic gripped the areas after residents witnessed a whirlpool-like column of wind, with dust and debris lifted in the air while light rain poured down.
Meteorological Director Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the J&K Meteorological Department, confirmed that the rare occurrence of the climatic phenomenon lasted for nearly 10 minutes in an open field. Local police officials said there was no damage reported from the event that shook the community in the area.
Residents who saw the phenomenon unfolding right before their eyes ran into houses and sought safe shelters, describing the event as something they had never seen before. Videos shared by alarmed residents on social media captured the tornado, with users expressing concern and seeking answers.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mukhtar Ahmad said that such an event is extremely rare for the region; however, similar cases have been reported in neighbouring Punjab last year as well.
“It began as a squall line triggered by thunderstorm cells that quickly converted into a tornado,” he said.
Officials noted that weather conditions changed abruptly, with black clouds developing over the city around 4:45 p.m. after clear skies earlier in the day, resulting in moderate rainfall and thundershowers at different places.
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