Giant whirlwind over Chilika sparks panic among visitors and fishermen

A massive whirlwind was witnessed over Odisha's Chilika Lake on Friday, sparking panic among visitors and local fishermen. The whirlwind appeared after rainfall in the region and was seen near Kalijai under Krushnaprasad block in Chilika. However, there are no reports of any damage so far.

According to reports, Chilika has experienced such whirlwinds several times in the past. The one in 2020 had caused significant damage in the Gambhari area. During that incident, five fishing boats and two houses were destroyed. The latest one, though frightening, did not result in any property loss, reportedly.

Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Response

Eyewitnesses said the whirlwind formed in the middle of Chilika Lake, far from the shore, and gradually dissipated without causing harm. Visitors at the Kalijai Temple described the incident as “very terrifying,” adding that if the whirlwind had formed closer to the shore, it could have led to severe damage to both lives and property.

Local fishermen said that they usually return to shore as soon as the weather turns gloomy or shows signs of rainfall, which helped prevent any mishap this time. They added that the appearance of yesterday’s event resembled the trunk of an elephant, and it affected areas with a radius of nearly 15 km, bringing heavy rainfall to nearby regions.

Panic but No Losses Reported

The sudden whirlwind created panic among tourists and fishermen; no reports of loss of life or property were received. The phenomenon has once again drawn attention to the unpredictable weather patterns over the Chilika region.