A rotating column of air rose from the ground towards the sky, attracting the attention of people in the nearby areas
A rare landfall was observed in the coastal city of Gwadar on Monday ahead of an impending western disturbance expected to bring rainfall to parts of the country.
The unusual weather phenomenon was observed rising from the ground towards the sky, forming a visible column of rotating air that caught the attention of residents in nearby areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rainfall from Tuesday under the influence of a western disturbance, with experts linking the landfall’s formation to the same weather system.
According to meteorologists, landfalls and waterspouts are rotating columns of air that form under similar atmospheric conditions. Weak tornado-like formations develop over land, while waterspouts form over bodies of water.
Former PMD director Sardar Sarfraz said the landfall observed in Gwadar was caused by a western low pressure system entering Pakistan. “Landspouts in the southwestern region of Balochistan are formed due to the arrival of a western disturbance,” Sarfraz said.
He noted that water surges had previously been reported along Pakistan’s coastline, including near Gwadar. “The last reported water discharge was observed on January 20, 2019, about 57 nautical miles from the Gharo-Baari coastal belt in Sindh,” he said.
Sarfraz added that a similar meteorological event was reported earlier on February 28, 2016 off the coastal area of Sakooni, near Kalmat Khor in Balochistan. Despite their name, Sarfraz explained that landfalls and waterspouts do not contain water in them. “They are columns of air filled with cloud particles that begin to rotate from the surface of the earth or ocean,” he said.
He further explained that the waterspouts are broadly classified into two types – tornadic and fair weather. Clouds associated with good weather move slowly, making such formations appear relatively stationary.
WWF-Pakistan technical advisor Muhammad Moazzam Khan said landfalls and waterspouts typically form under columnar clouds and are not usually associated with thunderstorms. “Such natural activity generally disappears on its own within a short period of time,” Khan said.
He said water discharges have long been recognized as a serious marine hazard, particularly for small fishing vessels. “They remain a threat at sea and therefore keeping a safe distance is highly advised,” Khan said.
According to experts, water outlets have an average diameter of about 50 meters, with wind speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. While some can continue for up to an hour, their average lifespan varies between five and ten minutes.
