Tornado hits southcentral coast of Vietnam, many boats capsize
VOV.VN - A tornadic waterspout appeared in the waters of Van Ninh district in the southcentral coastal province of Khanh Hoa on May 22, causing many boats to capsize.
The natural phenomenon was recorded at 15:30 p.m. and hit the locality along with dark clouds and spells of strong winds.
According to Tran Trung Thong, vice chairman of the Van Hung commune People’s Committee, the waterspout reached a height of more than 1,000 metres and lasted for between three and four minutes.
A number of boats capsized as the tornadic waterspout passed through, causing serious damage in the process, although fortunately no deaths were recorded, said the official.
Local residents revealed that this marks the second time that a tornadic waterspout has appeared in the area.
Waterspouts are typically created when tornadoes develop and pass over the sea. They have a five-part life cycle, including the formation of a dark spot on the water surface, a spiral pattern forming on the water surface, the formation of a spray ring, the development of the visible condensation funnel, and ultimately their decay.
Scientists say that a waterspout can cause wind speeds of over 160 kph and can destroy almost anything that is in its path
Tornadoes are said to be rarely seen in Vietnam and they usually appear either at the beginning and during the rainy season. The phenomenon is more typical in the south compared to the north.
Waterspouts were earlier also captured off the coasts of Nghe An province, Hai Phong city, Vung Tau city and Kien Giang province.
