In an extraordinary and rare natural event, visitors at Odisha’s iconic Chilika Lake were left awestruck and frightened after witnessing a massive tornado swirling above the lake on Sunday. The sight, which resembled a sky-high column of rotating wind and water, created a scene of both wonder and panic among tourists and locals alike. Odisha, known for its frequent encounters with cyclones and typhoons due to its long coastline, had never before recorded a tornado of this scale, making the occurrence a first-of-its-kind phenomenon in the state’s history.
The tornado was spotted in the southwestern direction of the sacred Goddess Kalijai Temple, the revered presiding deity of Chilika Lake, which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The area, famous for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance, turned into an unexpected stage for a natural spectacle that few could have imagined witnessing in their lifetime.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the phenomenon emerged suddenly, without any prior warning, while hundreds of tourists were out on boat rides and enjoying the calm of the lake. In a matter of moments, the peaceful skies transformed into a dramatic display of swirling motion as the wind picked up speed, creating a giant funnel that connected the surface of the water to the clouds above. The tornado’s appearance caused panic among the onlookers; tourists began screaming and rushing toward the shore for safety, while boat operators struggled to maintain control amid the strong gusts of wind.
Meteorologists later described the phenomenon as similar to a waterspout, a rare form of tornado that forms over a body of water. Such occurrences are caused by abrupt changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity, leading to the rapid rotation of air that draws water upward in a spiral motion. The tornado at Chilika created a towering vortex that appeared to stretch high into the sky, stirring up waves and sending mist and spray into the air.
Locals, who were just as stunned as the visitors, referred to the tornado by its regional name, “Hatiasundha,” meaning “elephant trunk,” due to its long, funnel-shaped appearance resembling the trunk of an elephant. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime sight — a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and force.
The spectacle lasted only a few minutes before gradually dissipating, leaving behind a mix of awe and relief. As the winds calmed and the skies cleared, tourists began to process what they had just witnessed. Many managed to capture photos and videos of the tornado, which quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and curiosity from across the country.
Experts have noted that such atmospheric events are extremely uncommon in inland coastal lakes like Chilika. While Odisha’s coastal regions frequently experience tropical storms, the appearance of a tornado — especially of such magnitude — is a meteorological anomaly. Authorities are reportedly reviewing weather data to better understand the precise conditions that triggered the phenomenon and whether climate variations could increase the likelihood of such occurrences in the future.
For now, the residents of Chilika and visitors alike are left with the memory of a remarkable moment when the serene waters of one of India’s most beautiful lakes transformed into the stage for a breathtaking yet terrifying display of nature’s raw power.
