Very rare tornado hits Assam, India

A low-intensity tornado hit the district of Barpeta, Assam, India on May 7, 2022, damaging 7 huts.
The tornado started from the banks of the Brahmaputra river, which flows close to Rowmari village, and remained restricted to a small area. While northern India is prone to tornadoes, this event was described by meteorologists as very rare.

According to Berpeta deputy commissioner Tej Prasad Bhushal, the tornado was of very low intensity.¹ “It took place at Rowari village in Chenga area of the district at 10:20 [LT] and lasted for a few minutes.”

“Seven huts were damaged in the incident, but no deaths or injuries took place.”

“We don’t have exact details of the incident as there’s no weather observatory in that location. But from photos and videos of it seen on social media, it seems to be a light intensity tornado,” said Sunit Das, a scientist at the Guwahati office of the India Meteorological Department.

“Most of us may not be aware, but northeast India is prone to tornadoes,” Das said. “But a tornado like the one witnessed on Saturday at Barpeta is very rare.”

A low-intensity tornado struck Assam's Barpeta district, taking the residents by surprise. There are no immediate reports of loss of life or property. Several residents shared photos and videos of the swirling column of air carrying dust and debris. pic.twitter.com/zxf5ZXz7PB

— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) May 8, 2022

References:

¹ Tornado strikes Assam, experts call it ‘very rare’ – Hindustan Times – May 8, 2022

Featured image: Tornado hits Assam, India on May 7, 2022. Credit: EastMojo (stillshot)