Visitors and locals at Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, were left awestruck on Monday when a tornado-like waterspout — locally called a Hatiasundha — formed over the lake’s surface in a rare and dramatic display of nature’s power.
The phenomenon occurred in the afternoon near Satapada, a popular tourist area, where eyewitnesses described seeing a funnel-shaped vortex rising from the water and twisting toward the clouds. The swirling column moved across the lake for several minutes before dissipating harmlessly.
A Spectacle of Nature
Videos shared widely on social media captured the breathtaking sight of the spinning air and mist, drawing gasps of awe and concern from both tourists and locals. Some visitors filmed the rare occurrence, while others took shelter fearing it might approach the shore.
“The sky suddenly darkened, and we saw water rising in a spiral motion — it looked both beautiful and terrifying,” said one local boat operator. “In my twenty years here, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) later confirmed that the event caused no injuries or damage. The vortex remained entirely over the lake’s surface and did not make landfall.
Meteorological Context
Experts classified the event as a waterspout — a weak tornado that forms over water when warm surface temperatures interact with cooler air layers above. Such phenomena are typically short-lived but visually striking.
Although waterspouts are occasionally seen over India’s coastal waters, their appearance over Chilika Lake — especially of this scale — is extremely rare. “The region’s combination of warm waters and converging wind currents likely triggered this localized vortex,” an IMD meteorologist explained.
Environmental Significance
Chilika Lake, a UNESCO-recognized wetland and biodiversity hotspot, spans more than 1,100 square kilometers and supports rich ecosystems including migratory birds, dolphins, and vital fisheries. The incident has prompted discussions about shifting weather patterns and the influence of climate variability on such rare atmospheric events.
Authorities have advised tourists and fishermen to remain cautious during periods of unstable weather. The Chilika Development Authority announced plans to review safety measures for boating and tourism activities, particularly as seasonal weather transitions continue.
A Reminder of Nature’s Power
While brief and harmless, the Hatiasundha has left residents and visitors in awe — a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and beauty over one of India’s most treasured natural landmarks.
