Tornado in Jammu triggers panic among locals; No damage reported

Jammu Tawi, Apr 11: In an unprecedented weather occurrence, a tornado was reported in Jammu’s Akhnoor area on Saturday evening, leaving residents startled and anxious.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the J&K Meteorological Department, confirmed that the rare phenomenon lasted for about 10 minutes in an open field. Local police officials reported no damage from the event.

Panic gripped the area after residents witnessed a whirling column of wind, lifting dust and light debris into the air. Many rushed indoors or sought safer locations, describing the event as something they had never seen before.

Videos shared by alarmed residents on social media captured the tornado, with users expressing concern, seeking answers, and offering prayers.

Talking to PTI, Dr. Ahmad emphasised that the tornado was an extremely rare event for the region, though similar phenomena were observed in several parts of Punjab last year. “It began as a squall line triggered by thunderstorm cells that quickly converted into a tornado,” he said.

Officials noted that weather conditions changed abruptly, with black clouds developing over the city around 4.45 p.m. after clear skies earlier in the day, resulting in moderate rainfall and thundershowers at different places.

Later, a rainbow appeared over the city skyline as the rain subsided.